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INCIDENTS IN THE LIFE 



OF 



GENERAL 
JOHN J. PERSHING 

By CuLLOM Holmes Farrell 



ILLUSTRATED 
With scenes from the William Fox Photo-Play 
entitled "WHY America will win," reproducing 
historical events in the Life of General John J. Pershing 



The actors in these scenes were chosen because of their 
remarkable likeness to the characters whom they portray 



RAND McNALLY & COMPANY 
CHICAGO NEW YORK 



Copyright, IQ18, by 
William Fox 

Copyright, 1918, by 
Rand McNally & Company 




NOV 23 1918 



(S)ci.Ar)ne>(>9« 



INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of this biography of General Pershing is 
to make Americans recognize in this great leader, a human 
being, a fellow citizen, a man among men. It is the very 
humanness of great men that makes their life stories a 
source of inspiration to all of us, and the realization is 
repeated again and again that success is the inevitable 
accompaniment of energy, tenacity of purpose, and the 
will to work and win. Founded on these attributes, 
success is ready for the laurels of fame when destiny 
points the way. 

The stirring incidents of General Pershing's early life, 
the achievements that mark his later years, the adventures 
that filled his military life in the service of his country, 
reveal to us the spirit of the man, his courage, his love of 
justice and liberty, his innate detestation of all forms of 
tyranny and oppression, and his kindliness and generosity 
toward his fellow men. These very characteristics are 
the recognized attributes of the true American citizen, a 
national character that has led the nation in its triiunphant 
progress toward its high destiny in world affairs. These 
are the attributes of Americanism that made inevitable 
the participation of the United States in the great war. 
The American democracy, founded on the highest prin- 
ciples of justice and liberty, could not stand by unmoved 
and see the inherent rights of man trampled under oppres- 
sion's foot in blood and dust. 

When this story, then, has shown us the qualities of 
heart and mind of the leader of our armies, it is with 
greater affection and trust that we look upon him 'march- 
ing in the vanguard of the nation's sons, holding aloft 
the nation's mighty sword, in a glorious crusade for the 
freedom of the world. 

The Publishers. 
3 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

How THE Alsatian Family of Pfirsching Became 

THE American Family of Pershing .... 7 
Pershing's Birth in the Far West as the Civil 

War is Begun 15 

The General's First Taste of War was at the 

Early Age of Four 21 

Pershing's First Fight with "Indians"; Days 

IN THE Little Schoolhouse 27 

Washington was Pershing's Model; His Ambi- 
tion was the Bar 34 

In Poverty, the Future General Teaches in a 

Negro School 40 

Pershing, again a School Teacher, Meets and 

Conquers the Bully ^ . .47 

Teacher Pershing Decides to Compete for 

West Point 53 

Pershing Wins Honor at West Point; Graduated 

High in Class 60 

Campaigning Against Indians; Enters the War 

WITH Spain 66 

His Distinguished Service in Cuba and the 

Philippines 72 

His Marriage; His Service in Japan; Appointed 

A Brigadier 78 

5 



6 CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Suppression of the Moros; Tactics in Jungle 
Warfare 84 

Pershing's Family Tragedy; Mexican Border 
Raids Begin 91 

Pershing's Pursuit of Villa; Becomes a Major 
General 98 

Pershing Named to Command Army; His Arrival 
in France 105 

Making Ready in France; First United States 
Force in France . . . 113 

Pershing's Men Have Their First Contact with 
the Foe 122 

Pershing Places United States Army at the 
Disposal of General Foch 130 

Pershing's Surprise Party for the Kaiser; He's 
There to Win 139 

Americans Wipe Out St. Mihiel Salient; Per- 
shing Brings War into Germany .... 147 




Copyright by Clinedinst Studio, Washington, D. C 

General John J. Pershing 



CHAPTER I 

How THE Alsatian Family of Pfirsching 
Became the American Family of Pershing 

A BOY on a galloping plough horse dashed 
from the market square and down the narrow 
street. 

A shot rang out above the cries of women and 
the angry shouts of men in the square. The horse 
lurched, but recovered and kept his pace. Just 
ahead a squad of Landwehr wheeled into the street. 
They were too close for the boy to turn; he there- 
fore used his heels vigorously on the sides of his 
horse and plunged at them. 

Before the bewildered Landwehr could collect 
their wits the heavy horse was upon them, and 
sent them sprawling in the dust. One, quicker 
than his fellows, ran at the fleeing boy, reaching 
out to drag him from his seat. Just in time the 
boy, a husky lad, turned, and with all his strength 
struck the soldier a staggering blow in the face. 
Now free, he bent over the horse's neck, expecting 
a volley from the enraged Landwehr. 

An old bewhiskered sergeant, less hasty than his 
men, restrained their fire. 



8 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

"A fine young cockerel, that! He'll make good 
cannon fodder for Maria Theresa's guns. Wait 
until to-morrow, when we gather him in, and then, 
I promise, you will see some sport." 

With threats that boded ill for the boy the men 
returned to their work, and the boy, now at the 
end of the street, turned into the open road that 
led down the valley of the Rhine. 

Between the sweet-smelling fields and the river, 
across an old bridge that spanned the stream, and 
over rolling hills, the good horse, near exhaustion, 
galloped on. The road turned abruptly into the 
square of a small hamlet, flanked by low, stone 
houses. 

Just opposite a sign that bore a weather-stained 
legend, "The Golden Crown," the old horse stag- 
gered, dropped to its knees and rolled over, dead. 
The boy managed to fall clear of the animal, and 
in a moment was surrounded by the venerable 
innkeeper and the village loungers. 

Such excitement had not stirred the hamlet 
since Charles had been chosen emperor of the 
Germans. The news spread fast, and already 
the priest and the mayor were hurrying to the 
scene. The fugitive boy, well-nigh breathless, had 
told his brief story in hysterical haste : 

"The Landwehr are coming! 

"Maria Theresa has defeated the emperor and 
he is calling a new draft ! 



THE ALSATIAN FAMILY OF PFIRSCHING Q 

"In Kehl they are taking everyone from sixteen 
to fifty ! 

"They will be here to-morrow!" 

At these dread tidings a silence fell upon his 
hearers. Too well they knew the meaning of the 
draft. For centuries each new king and emperor 
had drawn the inhabitants of the valley to fill the 
ranks of his armies. Only a year ago there had 
been a draft. Then they had taken only the cream 
of the country's manhood. This time they were 
to take the children and the fathers of families. 
It struck terror to the hearts of all who heard 
the news. 

With a sinking heart the mayor urged a respect 
for the supreme law of the land which he was far 
from feeling himself. He knew well that this 
supreme law was vested in a man who believed 
that those who inhabited his dominions were created 
for the special purpose of gratifying his inglorious 
desires. 

The smiling valley in which these people lived 
was a part of beautiful Alsace — Alsace, the battle- 
ground of the centuries. The Teuton hand still 
lay heavy on that part of the fair province which 
lay nearest the Rhine, although France, to which 
every inhabitant felt an inbred loyalty, had retaken 
most of the domain nearly a century before. The 
soldiers of the German rulers stalked about the 
countryside and on the streets of the towns, pushing 



lO GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the natives from the walks with the insolence of 
their kind. There was invasion of the very homes. 
There would be no respite from this persecution 
until beloved France again could assert her mastery. 

Charles, elector of Bavaria, had been elected 
emperor two years before, in 1742. Immediately 
upon assuming the throne he became jealous of 
the growing power of Maria Theresa, empress of 
Austria, and had forced a war upon her. The 
empress, whose influence was great in Hungary, 
had thrown the hordes of Magyars upon Charles. 
Greatly outnumbered by the forces of the empress, 
routed in fierce encounters, Charles had ordered 
every field and every village to be stripped of its 
men to meet new advances of the savage Magyars. 
This was the situation when to the little Alsatian 
village, in the year 1744, the boy Daniel Pfirsching 
raced from Kehl with the first news of the new 
draft. 

Daniel lived with his old grandfather, Frederick 
Pfirsching. His father had been taken earlier by 
the soldiers of the emperor, and had given his life 
in battle. Hence it was with fear and hatred that 
Daniel had witnessed the taking of the boys and 
men of Kehl by the Landwehr. Barely sixteen 
years of age himself, he knew that he could not 
hope to escape the grasp of the usurper and that 
he was destined for the same fate as had befallen 
his father. 



THE ALSATIAN FAMILY OF PFIRSCHING II 

There was no love for Charles in Alsace. All 
the love of the people for their native land belonged 
to France. If the call had come from France, 
every man would have gone forth cheerfully to 
fight the foe. 

Frederick Pfirsching, the grandfather, had lived 
on the west bank of the Rhine for sixty years and 
more. His ancestors had lived there for centuries. 
They had seen the time when the lilies of France 
had flown in the market square. They had seen 
the invader come and go. Who knew but he 
might go again? 

So the grandfather was content to give his life 
to the humble craft which was his and had been 
that of the Pfirsching family for generations. He 
knew that Daniel was in danger; that the family 
would end if Daniel were taken ; hence the old man, 
in tears, advised the boy to flee from the devastat- 
ing power of the Germans. The old artisan was 
determined that his grandson, reared in the love 
of liberty and all its traditions, should not spend 
his life in the shadow of the tyrant's throne. From 
beneath a stone in the hearth he brought forth a 
few gold pieces which the watchful tax collector 
had overlooked. 

*Tt is little, my boy," said he, "but enough to 
take you far from the Landwehr. Perhaps you will 
go to that new land, America, which I hear is free 
from the oppression under which one lives here. 



12 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

It is possible that you or your sons will hear some 
day the call of our dear Alsace and that you may 
aid in her deliverance. Good-by, and God be with 
you. " 

With his slender fortune Daniel set forth in the 
night. By morning he was far away from the 
village and under the sunny skies of France. 
Remembering the advice of his grandfather, he 
set out for Calais. He did chores for farmers, 
earning a meal here and there as he traveled; for 
he felt sure he would need all of his little store of 
money to take him to that wonderful land, America. 

At Calais he found that it would be impossible 
for him to obtain passage there for America. Only 
English ships plied to the English colonies. A 
friendly fisherman finally offered the boy passage 
to Dover. He worked hard for that passage, but 
each mile brought him nearer to the land of promise. 

In England Daniel waited for weeks before he 
could find a ship sailing for America. When he 
found one, a great disappointment awaited him — 
the passage would cost several times the sum he 
possessed. Seeing his dismay, the captain agreed 
to take what money he had and let him work his 
way. 

For weeks the ship labored on her way, and finally 
reached Baltimore. Here Daniel nearly lost heart, 
for the captain promptly asserted that the work 
he had performed on the voyage was not sufficient 



THE ALSATIAN FAMILY OF PFIRSCHING 13 

to pay for his passage. In this dilemma, and to 
avoid return to England, Daniel agreed to be 
bound to a ship chandler near the docks in Balti- 
more for a period of three months — a system of 
buying the services of a person for a stated period 
which prevailed in the Colonies at that time. The 
individual thus bound became practically the slave 
of the purchaser for the term of service. 

After three months of service Daniel Pfirsching 
was free to begin his own life in America — with 
no money, but with an iron purpose to make his 
way. The broken English that he had been able 
to acquire in these few months made it difficult 
for him to obtain employment ; he therefore 
returned to the ship chandler whom he had served. 
Here he found a welcome and wages that permitted 
him to live while he was becoming more familiar 
with the language. 

His ability and determination finally brought 
success and a small interest in the business for which 
he worked. Finding that, among his English- 
speaking neighbors, the name Pfirsching was a . 
handicap, he Anglicized it into the more euphonious 
Pershing, and bestowed it upon a blue-eyed maid 
of the old colony. 

Thus was founded the American family of Persh- 
ing, one of whose descendants. General John Joseph 
Pershing, to-day is leading the hosts of this mighty 
nation of the free against the oppressing Hun. 
2 



14 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

The Spirit of the pioneer possessed Daniel — the 
finger of opportunity beckoned him westward. 
SelHng out his business, he emigrated to what was 
then the Far West — Indiana County, Pennsylvania 
— with his wife and little family. It was a wild 
country, full of hostile Indians. Hardly had he 
created a little farm below the primitive mountain 
side that resembled so his beloved Alsace when the 
voice of that Liberty which had done so much for 
him called — and he was glad to answer. 



CHAPTER II 

His Birth in the Far West as the 
Civil War Is Begun 

THE news that flew on the wings of the wind 
was the call of freedom. From mouth to 
mouth it spread across the sparsely settled 
mountains and through the valleys of the frontier. 
To the fertile valley where Daniel Pershing, his 
wife, and sturdy boys had made their home together 
with a few hardy pioneers of kindred spirit came the 
call to independence in 1776. 

The people of Massachusetts had resisted the 
injustice of taxation without representation. The 
other colonies had acclaimed the deed. Delegates 
had been sent to form a continental congress, 
which should speak for the free people of a free 
country. 

The idea that kings ruled by divine right obsessed 
the Teutonic king, who at that time sat upon the 
throne of England, the mother country, and pre- 
vented a reasonable adjustment of the dispute, 
which would have been possible had the saner minds 
of England been permitted to speak. 

Thus, on July 4, 1776, with the proclamation of 
independence, America repudi.ited the yoke of 

15 



l6 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Teutonic oppression. Daniel Pershing had suffered 
in the old world under Teutonic oppression, so when 
the call came he and his sons answered. 

Near by was an outpost of the enemy. Savage 
Indians, heretofore the common enemy, were let 
loose upon the settlers who championed the cause 
of freedom. Massacres were frequent. Pershing, 
a natural leader, organized the men of his region. 
A block-house was built, and they successfully 
resisted several onslaughts by the savages. 

Finally there came their way the vanguard of 
the Continental army — the expedition against the 
frontier outposts of the enemy. Pershing, with his 
little band, joined the expedition and participated 
in its success; but the unprotected farm in Indiana 
County caused him to hasten back to its defense and 
prevented his taking an active part in the final vic- 
tory in the East. 

The war over and liberty firmly established, the 
Pershing family resumed their peaceful existence 
in the little valley. The sons married, and soon 
grandchildren added to the group. The years 
passed swiftly. At length John F. Pershing, a 
grandson of Daniel, found the farm in Pennsylvania 
too small. The valley was becoming crowded from 
the encroachment of civilization during twenty-five 
years. Possessed of the same pioneer spirit that 
had caused his grandfather to seek opportunity in 
the West, he looked to the farther West. 



BIRTH IN THE FAR WEST 1 7 

Railroad development was booming. Already the 
rails were pushing their way into the wilderness. 
Construction crews were a familiar sight, even to 
the Indians. 

It was natural, perhaps that John F. Pershing 
should be interested in this great work of empire 
building. It was essentially the work of the pioneer 
— work that required dogged perseverance to win. 
He joined one of these construction crews operating 
in Kentucky and Tennessee. His native force, 
determination, and ability to control men soon 
made him foreman of the crew. 

In the Tennessee foothills he met the beautiful 
Ann Thompson. A new work was calling him to 
far Missouri, and, after a very brief courtship, he 
persuaded her to marry him and spend their honey- 
moon in a construction camp, with all the hardships 
that this entailed. 

The work upon which John F. Pershing was 
engaged was that of building a line of the Hannibal & 
St. Joseph Railroad. The rails had been extended 
to within about three miles of the small town of 
Laclede, Missouri, when preparations had to be 
made for the birth of a child in the Pershing family. 

There were no conveniences in the construction 
camp and no doctor nearer than Laclede. It was 
decided to remove Mrs. Pershing at once to that 
town. This was accomplished with one of the 
rough wagons used to haul supplies for the railroad, 
drawn by two Missouri mules. 
2 



1 8 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Fortunately there was a house ready to receive 
Mrs. Pershing. There the doctor was summoned; 
and in this humble and primitive abode the present 
commander of the American forces now fighting in 
France to crush the Hun and his brutal creed first 
saw the light. His proud father and mother decided 
that he should be known as John Joseph Pershing. 
He was born September 13, i860. 

His rugged constitution and dogged determination 
are a heritage from his parents. His love of freedom 
and hatred of oppression were inbred for generations. 
His mother sprang from a stock as sturdy as was 
that of her husband. There was strength in her 
frame and in her character, but withal a certain 
gentleness that created a strong bond of sympathy 
between her and her quiet though determined son. 

Throughout all the years that the boy struggled 
to gain an education and a start on the highroad 
of life, the understanding between the mother and 
son never flagged. There were times when she 
sought to restrain the ambition that led to excess of 
study, but in the end she always gave way, assured 
that, after all, he was right. Never for a moment 
was their relation of entire sympathy and affection 
strained or altered. 

The lives of many really great men of history — 
especially American history — have had their begin- 
ning in much the same fashion. Born amidst hard- 
ships and privations, a never-ceasing struggle to 



BIRTH IN THE FAR WEST IQ 

obtain an education — obstacles to overcome and 
final victory due to dogged perseverance. So were 
the lives of Napoleon, of Lincoln, of Grant — of 
many another famous in history. 

The future general's father, after establishing the 
mother and her son in a house in Laclede, went 
back to his work on the railroad. Finally the last 
spike was driven at Hannibal, the terminus. The 
Hannibal & St. Joseph since has become a small 
link in the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, one of 
the mighty railway systems of the country; but at 
that time it was a very important road. Its ter- 
minal at St. Joseph was the gateway to the Far 
West. Here outfits were made up for the great 
pilgrimage. California was the goal of many of the 
pioneers, and it is probable that John F. Pershing 
had that golden country in mind as his final desti- 
nation when the birth of his son prevented further 
migration. 

Upon the completion of his task the railroad con- 
structor returned to Laclede, and, investing his 
savings in a general store, decided to make Missouri 
his home. The store was a profitable venture. It 
was the only one in town, and every need of the 
inhabitants was supplied by it. The business grew 
and prospered, and Pershing was compelled to 
employ help in running it and in operating the small 
farm that he had taken on the outskirts of the town. 

In Missouri, during the early 6o's, was reflected 



20 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

and magnified the political strife that was beginning 
to shake the nation. South Carolina had fired upon 
the Stars and Stripes, and the great war of the North 
and South was flaming across the country. 

In Laclede a majority of the inhabitants were 
southern sympathizers ; but, while the elder Pershing 
openly asserted his allegiance to the cause of the 
Union, he still held the personal friendship and the 
respect of the more influential citizens. Indeed, he 
had their trust to such an extent that, by common 
consent, he was the banker of the community, and 
all the money in town was frequently in his hands. 

Notwithstanding that his neighbors respected the 
political views of Pershing, numerous bands of bush- 
whackers, those lawless raiders of the state who 
professed allegiance to the Confederacy but actually 
exercised it toward neither side, sent him warning 
that they were coming after him to stop ' 'his damned 
Yankee talk." Pershing laughed at the warning 
and waited to see what they would do. 



CHAPTER III 

The General's First Taste of War Was 
AT THE Early Age of Four 

EVER present about the little Missouri town 
of Laclede was the flag of the Confederacy. 
Mrs. Pershing, mother of the future general, 
could not bear to see this flag and be unable to fly 
the Stars and Stripes. Nowhere for miles around 
was there such a flag — nothing but the Stars and 
Bars could be had. Mrs. Pershing obtained surrep- 
titiously one of these Confederate emblems, and 
from it, with her own hands, she fashioned the Stars 
and Stripes. Her husband erected a tall pole in 
front of the house and flung the new flag to the 
breeze as an answer to the warning of the bush 
whackers. 

That afternoon the young storekeeper saw one 
of the disreputable characters of the region, known 
as ''Uncle Billy," approaching. Uncle Billy cocked 
an eye at the home-made Union emblem. 
''I see you-all got a flag up." 
"Yes," was the reply; ''that is my flag." 
"Well, the boys hereabouts don't hke that flag. 
They don't mean no trouble, but they say that flag 
has got to come down; so if you-all don't take it 

21 



22 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

down they're coming around to-night and take it 
down themselves." 

"Well," was the answer, ''it's mighty kind of you 
to let me know; but you tell those boys that if they 
come they had better bring their coffins with 'em." 

The old man hurried away and Pershing went 
into the store and called his two assistants. He 
thought they were loyal to both himself and the 
Union, but he had to be sure. He put the question 
plainly to them — told them that very likely there 
would be a raid that very night. 

"Of course we'll stand by you," they answered; 
so, after leaving instructions with them, he hastened 
up to the house, where his wife and the younger 
children, who had witnessed his talk with Uncle 
Billy, were anxiously waiting. 

Mrs. Pershing refused to leave her husband's 
side, and together they prepared the house for a 
siege. 

Little John, now nearly four years old, was out 
in the village square drilHng the children of the 
town in imitation of the great armies that were 
fighting in the nearby states. Even at this time 
the future general was showing the qualities of 
leadership that afterward made him famous. 

The thunder of hoofs on the road called a halt 
in the drill. There was a loud cry, "The raiders!" 
and away the children scampered to the shelter of 
their homes. 



THE GENERAL S FIRST TASTE OF WAR 23 

Little Jack Pershing was left alone; but, having 
heard his parents speak of the raiders, he hurried 
away to carry the news. His father's men were 
already at the house when he ran in. The shutters 
were being put up; Jack may have been in his 
father's way when he insisted upon having his 
little gun that he, too, might shoot. His mother 
nearly broke his heart when she took him and his 
brother and sister and deposited them in one of the 
dark closets for safe keeping. 

The raiders rode up with a scattering volley. 
Captain Holtzclaw, the leader called upon the store- 
keeper to take down his flag. Pershing replied 
with a shot that killed the captain. 

Discretion being the better part of valor, the 
raiders retired to the shadow of some great cotton- 
wood trees and began a steady fire upon the doors 
and shuttered windows of the house. All night 
long the siege was maintained. The other inhab- 
itants of Laclede believed their own safety was 
the first consideration, and kept fearfully to their 
homes. 

Toward morning the raiders, thinking to take 
the defenders off their guard, prepared to storm 
the house. It was the intense darkness just before 
dawn. Not a shot had been fired for nearly an 
hour, and each raider, lying in the deepest shadow 
he could find, awaited the signal. 

Just at this moment the long, piercing whistle 



24 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

of a train on the Hannibal & St. Joseph road awoke 
the echoes. 

If the reader knows how every dweller in a remote 
village looks forward to the arrival of a train, how 
they set their watches by it, and are greatly con- 
cerned by its non-arrival; how an unexpected train 
causes great wonderment and speculation — he can 
realize the bewilderment that this unexpected train 
whistle caused in the little town of Laclede nearly 
sixty years ago. Trains ran seldom at best, and 
a train at this time of the morning was a thing 
unheard of. Even the raiders stopped in their 
tracks and listened. 

The Pershings, their eyes intent on the move- 
ment of a shadow, wondered whether this had 
anything to do with their present predicament. 
Whether it had or not, it aroused the raiders, who, 
with a wild rebel yell, rushed the house. A stout 
fence rail in the hands of several men was fast 
battering in the door. Pershing knew it would 
only be a matter of minutes when they would be 
hand to hand with the foe. 

Suddenly the terrific clamor at the door ceased. 
The little household heard new cries on the road 
and the noise of their late antagonists hurrying 
away to the accompaniment of a heavy volley. 
Knowing that relief had come, they took down the 
bars to the doors and hastened out. It was a glad 
sight that awaited them, for the first thing that 



THE GENERAL S FIRST TASTE OF WAR 25 

met their eyes was the Stars and Stripes in the 
hands of an officer in the long-unfamiHar uniform 
of the Union forces. 

Before Pershing could express his thanks to the 
commander, a Httle form pushed past him and was 
saluting the captain in the way he had been taught. 
It was little John Pershing, who had escaped from 
the dark closet. The little voice piped: 

"Are you a 'merican officer?" 

The officer with a smile returned his salute and 
assured him that his assumption was right. 

"Well, I'm going to be one, too, when I grow up, " 
asserted the youngster. 

His mother attempted to take him, but Jack 
clung to the captain until the latter departed with 
his men. 

This troop was the vanguard of that Union army 
which was to wipe out the bushwhackers and 
restore order in the state of Missouri. They had 
arrived in Laclede that morning upon a train of 
fiat cars. Hearing the shots of the raiders, they 
had investigated and rescued the Pershings. This 
incident of the raiders was the only one of its kind 
that the town of Laclede was to experience during 
the Civil War. 

The memory of those days, when the strife of 
the North and South threatened to disrupt the 
country, can be but vague with the General Pershing 



26 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

of to-day. Perhaps, however, on some battlefield 
when the fate of the world is in the balance, the 
impression of that first cheer for the flag for whose 
glory Pershing has spent his life may become a 
sub-conscious inspiration. 

As a matter of fact, there have been only brief 
intervals in his life when fighting did not figure. 

The Civil War was hardly over when the disorder 
of the country invited outbreaks by those Indians 
who had been pressed back by the swift approaches 
of civiHzation. In 1868 the Cherokees not only 
came to the very door of Laclede, but at times 
were so bold as to raid the town. The boys of the 
place, under the leadership of John Pershing, had 
organized a company, which now would be known 
as Boy Scouts. Their purpose was to keep guard 
over the village and sound an alarm should an 
Indian raid be threatened. As with all boys, 
however, it seemed to be their luck that every 
time one of the raids occurred they were either 
asleep in bed or at school. One day, however, 
luck appeared to be with them, for over the hills 
came running their sentinel crying: 

"The Indians are coming — the Indians are 
coming! " 



CHAPTER IV 

His First Fight with "Indians"; Days 
IN THE Little Schoolhouse 

THE day for which John Pershing and his 
little band of boy scouts in Laclede had 
long waited was at hand. Their opportunity 
had come — but it found them wanting. For, with 
the exception of their dauntless young commander, 
every one of them immediately took to his heels. 

"Halt!" shouted the future general, waving his 
wooden sword. The bravery of their captain 
shamed the others, and the panic was stopped, 
though each boy was shaking in his boots. From 
strategic positions behind the trees they waited. 

The enemy came, but not the enemy they were 
expecting. It seems that Tom Higginbotham, who 
was acting as sentinel, had found that waiting for 
Indians who never came was a tedious job. For 
sport he had organized a rival company from among 
the colored children of the town and persuaded 
them to attack the others. When all was ready, 
he had run down and given the false alarm. 

The dark-skinned warriors, armed with broom- 
sticks, advanced. When Jack's company realized 
the hoax that had been played on them, stones 

27 



28 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

began to fly in earnest, and the fight ended in a 
free-for-all. Hard-hitting Jack himself decided the 
victory for his company. 

The casualties of this historic battle of Laclede 
were heavy. Not one combatant escaped un- 
scratched. The mothers of the town sat up late 
that night to mend torn trousers and jackets. 
Gory noses were proudly displayed. The hero 
pose never had appealed to Jack, however, and he 
went home by a roundabout route to escape undue 
curiosity. 

As was natural, many a home whipping resulted 
from this bloody fray. Many a hickory switch 
dusted the back of the howling progeny of Laclede. 
Jack's father, however, was built on different lines. 
When he saw the torn clothes and the cut face of 
his son, he merely smiled. 

"Fighting, eh? Well, it will make a man of you. 
But never let anyone say that he has licked you." 

Upon Jack, who had braced himself for the 
expected whipping, these words made a deep 
impression, and the thought of them has carried 
him to victory through many a fight in the face 
of serious odds. 

Little John Pershing was now about eight years 
of age, and, with his younger brother, Jim, was a 
pupil of the "old red schoolhouse. " John was a 
real boy. Mark Twain has painted a vivid picture 
of the real boy as he lived in a Missouri town at 



DAYS IN THE LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE 29 

about this period. Jack lived about the same sort 
of Hfe in general as did Tom Sawyer. He played 
** hookey" from school. He had all the small 
boy's troubles and he met them in the same way. 
He had all the necessary fights, but they were 
never the fights of a bully. He even raided the 
orchards and the melon fields of the neighborhood. 

A story is still told in Laclede of one of these raids : 

Charles Bigger, a schoolmate, approached Jack 
early one evening. 

' * Old man Temple has a field of watermelons that 
are so long," said he, indicating with his arms a 
melon of stupendous size. 

"There is n't a melon on earth that big," returned 
Jack, unconvinced. 

"You come with me to-night and I'll show you," 
said Charley. 

Jack, being from Missouri, was willing to be 
shown. 

That night after mother had tucked the children 
in and father had put out the lights and gone to bed. 
Jack got up very quietly, pulled on his trousers over 
his nightshirt — no boy in a Missouri town would 
have dreamed of wearing shoes while the weather 
was warm enough to go without them — slipped out 
of the window, and jumped off the low kitchen roof. 

Charley Bigger was waiting for him in the shadow 
of the Cottonwood trees. Silently they made their 
way down the moonlit road to the open country. 
3 



30 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

They ''shinned" over the snake-fence and tiptoed 
and crept past the house of the farmer and into 
the melon patch. The melons, sure enough, were 
the largest that either of the boys ever had seen, 
and each selected one of the best. 

Now, any water melon is a good-sized load for a 
small boy, and these were all they could carry; 
hence, as they made their way back, they could not 
step as carefully as they had on their way down. 
A twig snapped with a loud noise just as they passed 
the chicken house. Immediately a loud cackling 
arose among the hens. 

"That'll wake old man Temple," whispered 
Charley; "we'd better run." 

And run he did; but Jack, after taking all that 
trouble, did n't wish to lose his precious melon. 
Lights appeared in the house and the figure of 
Farmer Temple in the doorway with a gun. 

At that moment poor Charley, not seeing the 
fence in his haste, crashed full against it. The melon 
smashed all over him, but the boy managed to 
scramble over the fence and out of danger. 

"Stop!" yelled the angry farmer, menacing with 
his gun. 

Jack, still hugging his melon, stopped. The 
farmer approached and looked down at the boy. 

"Well, if it ain't John Pershing's boy," he ex- 
claimed, "and after my melons, too. I thought it 
was one of those darned chicken thieves." 



DAYS IN THE LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE 3 1 

He looked over toward the fence where Charley- 
had smashed his melon. 

"And the little cuss didn't run, either, when I 
came with the gun. Well, sonny, you just take that 
melon and toddle along, and any time you want 
another, you come right to Joe Temple and he will 
pick a good one for you." 

So Jack lugged his melon out on the road where 
the scared Charley had been watching the proceed- 
ings from the shadows. In silence they proceeded 
to eat the melon. When they had finished Charley, 
who seemed to have something on his mind, blurted 
out: 

*'Gee! I wish I was brave like you." 

Next morning the story of Jack's exploit spread 
through the school. From the school it spread over 
town and finally reached the ears of Jack's father. 
That night Jack did receive a whipping, for his 
father never countenanced night raids on his neigh- 
bors' property. 

Mrs. Ann Thompson Pershing instilled into the 
minds of her children at an early age deep reverence 
for the Almighty. The Pershing family were regular 
attendants at the Methodist Episcopal church in 
Laclede, and every Sunday it was the custom for 
John and the other children to attend Sunday 
school and remain for the regular church service. 
These teachings were to remain always a part of the 
life of the future general. It is probable that his 



32 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

boyish mind idealized some of the more heroic 
characters of the Old Testament and that he pat- 
terned his life after these — together with George 
Washington, his favorite historical hero. 

Jack never was what is termed a brilHant scholar. 
That is, he absorbed his knowledge slowly. But 
what he did learn after hours of study was retained. 
His mother was the faithful companion of his study. 
Often she would protest against the persistence with 
which he kept at a difficult problem. Young Jack, 
however, never would give up until he conquered. 
The same qualities were then displayed that made 
him the supreme commander of the American 
army in its most critical hour. 

The chairman of the school board, on, a periodical 
visit to examine the school, as a special reward for 
proficiency, announced that a handsomely bound 
copy of the life of George Washington would be 
offered for the best solution of a certain problem. 
As the offer of a prize was unusual, there was great 
excitement while the teacher wrote the following on 
the blackboard* 

*'If sound moves at the rate of 1,142 feet per 
second, and the pulsations of the human body are 
seventy per minute, what is the distance of a cloud 
if twenty pulsations occur between the time of seeing 
the lightning and hearing of the thunder?" 

A gasp of consternation came from the pupils. 
This was entirely beyond the comprehension of 



DAYS IN THE LITTLE SCHOOLHOUSE 33 

most of them. Only a few even took the trouble 
to copy the problem and attempt its solution. Jack 
Pershing was one of these. He only smiled when}, 
some of his friends suggested that the problem was 
a hoax and that there could be no solution. 

"There must be a solution," he said, ''to every 
problem. 

Immediately after supper Jack went to his room 
and began his work. Bedtime came and Jack was 
still at it. His mother, now accustomed to her 
son's determination, did not disturb him. At mid- 
night there was still a light in his room. 

''Just an hour more, mother," was his plea when 
his mother urged him to stop and go to bed. 



I 



CHAPTER V 

Washington Was His Model; His Ambition 
Was the Bar 

IN the morning Jack Pershing came down to 
breakfast tired, but happy. He had solved 
the problem in that last hour. It was a proud 
mother who sent him off to school that day. It was 
the big day of the school year. The chairman and 
the examining board would be there. Friends and 
relatives would be present to hear the accomplish- 
ments of the pupils. 

The customary exercises passed without a hitch. 
The event of the day, however, was still to come. 
Everyone was eagerly waiting to see who would 
win the coveted problem prize. At last the chairman 
rose. 

"As you all know," said he, "there is to be a 
prize awarded to-day. This prize is particularly 
significant — a copy of the life of our first President, 
George Washington. His life was an example of 
diligence and perseverance. These traits are sure 
to be possessed by the scholar who wins this prize. 
I now call upon you for answers to the problem on 
the blackboard." 

In the silence that followed the boys and girls 

34 



HIS MODEL AND HIS AMBITION 35 

all looked around to see who would have the courage 
to respond. Jack waited until it was evident that 
he was the only one who could even attempt an 
answer. He arose, He had felt so confident before, 
but now his knees were beginning to tremble as he 
stood in the presence of the board. 

"Please, sir," his voice wavered as he spoke, *'I 
know the answer." 

The chairman, pleased that here was one at least 
who could make an answer, encouraged him. Jack 
continued : 

"If sound travels at the rate of 1,142 feet per 
second and the pulsations of the human body are 
seventy per minute, the distance of a cloud if twenty 
pulsations occur between the time of seeing a light- 
ning flash and hearing the thunder is — five miles 
two hundred and forty-six feet and eight inches." 

The answer Jack blurted out and hurriedly sank 
back into his seat amid the applause of the school. 

The chairman, in another speech, congratulated 
the boy and ended by presenting him with the book 
— the life of George Washington. Then, like a bolt 
from the blue, the youthful winner heard these 
words : 

"John, can't you make us a little speech?" 

There is nothing that the average small boy 
dreads more than to speak in public. John was no 
exception; but there seemed no way open to a 
refusal. Slowly he rose. He turned toward where 



36 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

his mother was sitting, and her smile and her moving 
lips gave him the support he needed. He could 
see her lips shaping the words that he could use, 
and, with this to help, he began : 

''I'm sorry you all did n't win a prize, too. I — 
I — I'm much obliged. I'm going to grow up like 
George Washington." 

These happy years at school were fast slipping 
by. The Pershing children at this time were John, 
Jim, May, and Bess. The elder Pershing in his 
general store had found a gold mine. H. C. Lomax, 
who was Mr. Pershing's clerk in the store, and is 
still living as president of the bank in Laclede, is 
the authority for the statement that John F. Per- 
shing was one of the wealthiest men in the state of 
Missouri. It was estimated that he was worth at 
least $100,000 — a fair fortune even now, but then 
an unusual one. 

Mr. Pershing was an acknowledged leader in all 
business enterprises and had the respect of everyone 
in the state. As an investment he considered the 
fields of Missouri the best that could be found, and 
he began to extend his holdings in farm lands. 

He thought it best that during summer vacations 
his boys be given a training for their future lives. 
He had no thought but that they would follow in 
his footsteps and become small-town merchants and 
farmers. Accordingly he sent Jack and Jim to his 
farms to work during the summer months. It was 



I 



HIS MODEL AND HIS AMBITION 37 

the kind of work that builds up the body and makes 
men. Pershing, with all his money, did not believe 
in coddling his children. 

There was a marked difference between the boys 
— John was sober, slow, and industrious; Jim was 
always ready for a frolic, always ready at the first 
opportunity to drop all work and go fishing. John, 
even then, was beginning to make plans for his 
future which differed from those of his father. 
These ambitions he had kept carefully hidden in his 
own breast. They were clear, well-developed hopes 
that he had in mind. He had big ideas of life, 
and the means of accomplishing them by using 
properly the mental and physical strength that God 
had given him. The boy who had the potential 
power to stir the world when the time came — that 
boy was going to be ready to grasp his opportunity 
when it presented itself. 

The field of opportunity was not large in the small 
town of Laclede. The boy had had no chance to 
see the world, the larger method of development. 
The greatest chance, in his eyes, seemed to lie in 
the law. With the hope, therefore, that some day, 
by diligence, he could make a great lawyer of him- 
self, he utilized every opportunity to study. Work- 
ing hard all day in the fields and studying at night 
was John Pershing's record during those summers 
in the early 70's. 

With the coming of fall the brothers came back 



38 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

to town. As in every country village, there were 
hay rides and parties; and the Pershing boys were 
getting old enough to be invited to these. Jim did 
manage to inveigle John into attending several ; but 
John was not a "ladies' man." He was always 
rather shy in the presence of girls. 

Another sidelight on the character of the future 
general — he had the reputation of being fastidious 
about his clothes. Not that he was a dandy or that 
his clothes were unusual in cut or color; but his 
clothes were always neat and well pressed. 

Miss May Pershing, the general's sister, relates 
the story of how her brother John was accustomed 
to put his Sunday clothes between the mattresses 
in order to keep them in their proper creases. Jim 
never was able to keep a suit in shape for any length 
of time; and, as a result, he was always trying to 
borrow something of John. But John insisted that 
he must learn to take care of his own. 

About this time a pretty eastern girl was visiting 
relatives in Laclede. She was the belle of the town 
during her stay, and Jim was one of the most eager 
seekers for her smiles. At last there seemed an 
opportunity for Jim to call on the young lady when 
the usual crowd of admirers would be absent. 
There was to be a revival meeting in the Methodist 
church, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Sidebotham. The 
Pershing family, being devout Methodists, expected 
to attend, as did nearly everyone else in town. 



HIS MODEL AND HIS AMBITION 39 

It was during the progress of this meeting that 
Jim was to have the pleasure of calHng on the girl. 

When he went to lay out his best clothes in 
preparation for the happy event, he found that, as 
usual, they were in a sad state. He was in despair 
until he remembered that John would not be at 
home until late that evening and would not miss his 
clothes if he should use them. Carefully he took 
the suit from between the mattresses, put it on, and 
cheerfully proceeded up the street to the house 
where the girl was a guest. 

Unfortunately, John did come home. He had 
finished his work early and had hurried to attend the 
revival meeting with his m.other. Of course it 
would not do for him to go in his working clothes, so 
he rushed upstairs to dress. He lifted the mattress 
— his clothes v/ere gone. It did not take long for 
him to guess the culprit and the purpose for which 
the clothes were being used. With a grim smile he 
stalked out of the house. 

Jim, very self-conscious but happy, was seated on 
a stiff horse-hair chair, awkwardly holding a big 
family album, while on another chair sat an ex- 
tremely pretty maid demurely turning the pages of 
the album in the accustomed manner of entertaining 
a ''gentleman caller" of these days in rural Missouri. 

Suddenly, with a loud thumping on the porch, 
the angry John entered and confronted the startled 
pair. 



CHAPTER VI 

In Poverty, the Future General Teaches 
IN A Negro School 

JOHN PERSHING stood before his brother, 
who had borrowed his best suit to call upon the 
pretty girl sitting there with bewilderment in 
her eyes. Jim did not know exactly what to 
expect ; but he knew John, and knew he deserved all 
he would receive at his hands. At the same time, 
he did n't wish to be shamed before the girl. So he 
managed to ask, in as casual a tone as he could 
assume : 

"Do you want anything, John?" 

The answer came with a snap: 

"Yes, I want you, and I want my suit — and I 
want it right away." 

And, grasping his brother by the ear, he marched 
him out of the room. Jim could hear the giggles of 
the girl as he left, and knew that all chances for her 
favor were gone. 

"Off with those clothes!" said John when they 
reached home. "Put them away just as you found 
them, and come down stairs." 

Down stairs John was waiting for the culprit. 
It was too late for the revival meeting — that was 

40 



TEACHES IN A NEGRO SCHOOL 41 

nearly over — but John intended to teach Jim a 
lesson. A severe thrashing impended — but this 
the arrival of his parents with the revivalist, the 
Rev. Mr. Sidebotham, prevented. 

The summer of 1875 brought a drought. No 
rain fell — the black loam of Missouri crumbled to 
powder. Few seeds that had been put in the earth 
that spring sprouted, and those that came up 
quickly withered. 

No crops were raised in Missouri or Kansas that 
year. Farmers nearly starved, and those in the 
towns who depended upon the money the farmers 
spent had nearly as hard a time. 

The elder Pershing had many acres of Missouri 
farm land. Ordinarly they were the best invest- 
ment he could have made, even with the mort- 
gages which were on them. The interest on the 
mortgages was only a small part of what the farms 
produced, and it was considered better business 
for a man to have a large acreage with a mortgage 
than a small farm free. Consequently, when the 
drought came Pershing was caught. One after 
another his mortgages were foreclosed. His general 
store, which had made his fortune, was sold under 
the hammer — everything he owned except the home 
was lost. 

John F. Pershing, undaunted by his misfortune, 
resolved to start anew and make as big a success 
as he had before. There was nothing in Laclede 



42 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

left for him to do — very little for anyone. Pershing 
took stock of the family resources. There was only 
fifteen dollars and his watch. He decided to go to 
Kansas City and look for work. 

Young John, big and husky for his age, felt sure 
that he could find enough work around the town 
to support the family while his father was away. 
With his assurance the elder Pershing, leaving five 
dollars of his little capital, departed for Kansas City 
and a fresh start in life. 

With the determination that he put into his 
search for work it was not long before he found it ; 
but during that period his funds ran so low that 
he was compelled to put up his watch as security 
for his board. The position he obtained was that 
of a traveling salesman. This paid a very small 
salary at first, so son John still had his opportunity 
to aid in the support of the family. 

In that part of Laclede known as "Nigger-town" 
there had been a school ever since Lincoln issued 
the Emancipation Proclamation. The maintenance 
of this school was required by law, but the post of 
teacher never was eagerly sought. 

Hearing of the school board's difficulty in obtain- 
ing a teacher, John resolved to try for the position. 
He called upon the chairman and made such a 
strong application that he was appointed. Never 
before had a boy as young been considered capable 
of teaching a school, but the board was familiar 



TEACHES IN A NEGRO SCHOOL 43 

with the scholarly qualities of John Pershing. 
They knew that he had the determination to win — 
that he would overcbme all the hardships of the 
difficult post and would make good. John took 
charge of his school for the term of 1876-77. 

It is to be remembered that young John Pershing 
Was braving public opinion when he undertook to 
teach in a negro school. The town of Laclede still 
had the same southern atmosphere that it had 
during the war. It was not considered fitting that 
a white man should perform such a personal service 
as teaching negroes. Hence the task called for 
great fortitude. 

He soon began to realize what a difficult problem 
he had undertaken. His late schoolmates would 
congregate at the windows and distrub the sessions 
of the school. They would hang around until 
school was dismissed and call ''Nigger! Nigger!" 
This petty persecution only made John persevere 
the harder to achieve the result for which he was 
striving. The climax came one day when a certain 
"rough" boy of the town entered the school while 
John was conducting a class. Trouble seemed 
imminent. John felt that he would lose the respect 
of his scholars were he to enter into a fight in the 
schoolroom. The only thing he could do was to 
try to make the young man feel ashamed of him- 
self, so he said: 

"Abraham Lincoln conferred upon the colored 



44 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

race the privilege of education. When everyone 
else refused, I undertook to teach them. Please 
leave and permit me to continue with the instruction 
that will make these people worthy of citizenship 
that has been conferred upon them. " 

The logic of this was unanswerable, and the bully 
left the school abashed. John did not have much 
trouble with the boys after this, but he could tell 
by the attitude of the public that they still did 
not approve his position. 

However, John remained throughout the term, 
as the pay, although not large, was sufficient to 
provide for his mother and the rest of the family. 

His father was making good as a traveling sales- 
man, and soon began to send home a sum sufficient 
for their support. Then the mother insisted that 
John relinquish his position at the end of the term 
and continue his studies. 

During the summer John did study hard, but 
the love of his work was in his blood. He had had 
one experience with it and was resolved to work 
again as soon as he could fittingly prepare himself 
for it. 

There was a normal school at Kirksville, about 
seventy-five miles from Laclede. A normal school 
in those days had the same standing as a state 
college or university. It was the goal of every 
boy's ambition to go to the Normal. John hardly 
dared breathe this ambition to his mother. He 



TEACHES IN A NEGRO SCHOOL 45 

did not believe the family finances could stand the 
additional expense. When Charley Spurgeon, a 
boy of about the same age who lived directly across 
the street from the Pershings, came in one evening 
full of the news that he was going to the Normal 
that term, Mrs. Pershing saw reflected in John's 
face his own great wish to go. 

Without saying anything to her son, Mrs. Persh- 
ing wrote to her husband, and the encouraging 
letter she received in reply made her resolve to send 
John to Kirksville at all costs. 

It was a happy boy who packed his few belong- 
ings and set out for the Normal School on September 
15, 1878, with his friend Charley Spurgeon. He 
felt that at last he had set his foot on the ladder 
that leads to success. Young John Pershing knew 
the value of application, and he made the best use 
of his time while at Kirksville. It took him longer 
to work out a problem to his own satisfaction than 
it did many of his fellows, but he never quit when 
he had the apparent solution; it had to be proven 
from all angles so at the Normal John had the 
reputation of being a hard student, and his marks 
there show that he was. 

Kirksville was and still is a co-educational institu- 
tion, and it was difficult for even so hard a student, 
and one so shy in the presence of the fair sex, to 
keep entirely out of the social life. 

On Hallowe'en Charley Spurgeon, provoked at 



46 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

John's refusals to accompany him to previous 
parties, taunted him with actually being afraid of 
the girls. John, to prove that this was not the 
case, decided to go to this one. It was a Hallowe'en 
party of the old-fashioned kind — with taffy-pulHng, 
corn-popping, and bobbing for apples in a tub of 
water. At first John's diffidence kept him aloof 
from the merrymakers, but Charley dragged him 
to the tub — where stood the pretty Lottie Spencer. 
Down on his knees went the future general. 



CHAPTER VII 

Pershing, Again a School Teacher, Meets 
AND Conquers the Bully 

WHEN John Pershing went down on his 
knees with pretty Lottie Spencer before 
the tub of water bobbing for apples at the 
Hallowe'en party he was entirely ignorant of the 
finer points of the game through lack of practice. 

Perhaps it was the unaccustomed proximity of 
the fair face so close to him that embarrassed him; 
perhaps he went after the elusive apple too stren- 
uously. At any rate, the two heads bumped 
together, the owners lost their balance, and into 
the water went the heads. 

The pair arose amid the laughter of the others. 
The incident had broken the ice for John, and he 
entered into the spirit of the festivities. The 
same incident seemed also to have conquered his 
shyness with girls — at least for one particular girl, 
for it was some time later in the evening that the 
company missed John and Lottie and started a 
search for them. Out on the porch in the moon- 
light they were found, All things sentimental 
were subject to jest in that merry throng, who 
immediately threw cold water on this budding 

47 



48 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

romance of John's. It was to be many years 
before he permitted his fancy to fix itself again on 
any particular girl. 

For the remainder of his term at the Normal 
John applied himself industriously to his studies. 
He was so successful that he was graduated from 
Kirksville on June 15, 1880, with the degree of B.A. 

He returned home resolved to study law at the 
first opportunity. 

The fortunes of the Pershing family were again 
in the ascendant. The father, with the same grit 
that he had shown in carving out one fortune for 
himself, was rapidly accumulating another. He 
was considered one of the best salesmen in the west, 
and it is estimated that he was making then the 
unusual sum of $7,000 a year. 

It is worthy of note that one of the presents his 
father sent to John upon his graduation was a 
pair of kid gloves — the first he had owned. These 
gloves were a prized possession. It will be recalled 
that he was extremely careful about his dress, and 
the kid gloves fitted in with his idea of what was 
prqper for a young man to wear when attired in 
his ''best." 

Wishing to be independent while studying law, 
John looked around for a position. He heard 
that the town of Prairie Mound, about nine miles 
from Laclede, would need a teacher for its school 
the next term. He was already familiar with that 



MEETS AND CONQUERS THE BULLY 49 

work. He therefore, asked "Doc" Spurgeon, the 
father of his old roommate, Charley, for a letter of 
introduction to old ''Cap" Henley, superintendent 
of the school there. 

''Of course, I'll give you a letter," said the 
doctor, though he smiled as he looked at the gloves 
which John was wearing. "But I'll tell you one 
thing. Don't wear those gloves when you see the 
old man. He don't like gloves a darn bit." 

John promised to take off his gloves before he 
interviewed the superintendent. 

The Pershings did not own a horse, but they 
had a coal-black jackass which they used when 
they made short trips. 

Prairie Mound, being nine miles distant, was too 
far for John to walk, so he saddled the jackass and, 
with Charley Spurgeon mounted on a similar steed 
of different color, he made the journey. On his 
way he had to ford what w^as known as Turkey 
Creek. This little stream at the time was higher 
than usual and there was no bridge. Half-way 
across John's steed balked. Nothing the rider 
could do would move the animal. It began to slip 
off into a hole; still it stubbornly refused to move. 

The water had reached John's feet and was 
coming still higher. There was every prospect 
that he would be drenched before he could apply 
for his position — and this was an occasion when 
he wished to appear especially neat. He climbed 
4 



50 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

on top of the saddle and stood there while the 
water was rising higher and higher. Charley, though 
highly amused at the predicament of his friend, 
came to his rescue, tied the bridle of his mule to 
that of John's animal, and dragged them both 
from the stream. With the exception of a few 
splashes John was as neat as ever. 

When the steeple of the Prairie Mound church 
came into view John, who was still wearing his 
gloves, remembered *'Doc" Spurgeon's advice, 
removed them, and placed them in his pocket. 

His interview with "Cap" Henley was entirely 
satisfactory, and John, when he left the superin- 
tendent's office, knew that he was to teach the 
school there for the next term. Just as he was 
leaving, however, the old man said: 

"I'm glad you don't wear any of those new- 
fangled kid gloves. The last young feller we had 
here had a sort of partiality for them, and that 
was one of the reasons we had to let him out. " 

That winter John Pershing made his home with 
an uncle, William Griffith, who had a farm near 
Prairie Mound. 

The life of a teacher, even in this school where 
the atmosphere was so different from that of the 
colored school in which John had taught in Laclede, 
was no sinecure, as he soon discovered. The 
children were very unruly — owing perhaps to a 
lack of discipline by previous teachers. He saw 



MEETS AND CONQUERS THE BULLY 5 1 

that he would have to take strenuous measures or 
he soon would be in the position of submitting to 
his own pupils. 

Among the older boys was one who, by reason 
of his size and fractious disposition, had assumed 
the position of ringleader in all the deviltry. It 
took some time, naturally, for the new teacher to 
become acquainted with this fact; but, when he 
did, it was easy to put a stop to the lawlessness 
that kept the school in a turmoil. 

It was during a history lesson one afternoon. 
John, with his inborn love of country, always took 
great delight in expounding to his pupils the glorious 
story of how our forefathers fought for and obtained 
their rights and their independence. In the midst 
of an impassioned speech the bully of the school 
saw a particularly good opportunity to create a 
diversion. A stray dog had crept unnoticed into 
the schoolroom. It sniffed inquiringly at several of 
the children and made its way to the bully. Grinning 
like the young savage he was, he kicked the mongrel, 
howling, up the aisle. 

Now, if there was anything that John Pershing 
detested it was cruelty to animals. Dogs especially 
were his favorites and he could not bear to have 
them mistreated. 

This was the time for action. John called the 
offender before him. The bully, confident that 
his size prevented any punishment, replied: 



52 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

"Come an' get me." 

John went and got him. Jerking him to his 
feet with a grip the young ruffian could not break, 
the young teacher severely chastised him and put 
him out of school. 

The surprised youth yelled back vindictively: 

''Wait till my father gets you and you'll see 
who's boss. " 

John proceeded in peace in the now subdued school 
and thought he had settled the question of discipline. 

The bully, however, had a father who was built 
along the same lines as his son, and the distorted 
story told by the latter was such as to make him 
seek revenge on the man who had punished the boy. 

As John neared the schoolhouse the following 
morning he noticed that all of the pupils were 
waiting outside. This was unusual, and he hurried 
to find out the cause. As he came closer he saw 
the figure of a big, burly man, whose stiff red whiskers 
and hair gave him a fierce aspect, seated on a horse 
with a gun in his hand. John immediately recalled 
the threat of the young bully, and rightly con- 
cluded that this was the father who was going to 
"show him who was boss." But he never was 
one to shirk when there was trouble in sight. The 
man was several times his size and he had a gun, 
but odds made no difference to John. 

When the red-haired man caught sight of the 
teacher he raised his gun. 



CHAPTER VIII 

Teacher Pershing Decides to Compete 
FOR West Point 

THIS was the first time in the Hfe of John 
Pershing that he, who was afterward to face 
hostile milHons, had a gun pointed at him 
with murderous intent. He met fearlessly the gaze 
of the father of the school bully whom he expelled 
the day before. 

''You're the skunk that licked my boy?" shouted 
the man, beside himself with rage. 

"I don't want any trouble with you, sir," said 
young Pershing calmly. **I ejected your boy 
because he was unruly, and he can stay away until 
he learns to conduct himself as a student should." 

"Well, I came to show you that you can't boss 
me and mine around like that," repHed the man, 
still covering the teacher with his weapon. 

"Then put down that gun and fight like a man, " 
said John, making a sudden spring and twisting 
the gun from the hands of the astonished man. 
He knew the effect of a surprise, and the man, 
bewildered by the unexpected attack, was quickly 
pulled from his horse. 

"Punch him. Dad!" called the young bully from 

53 



54 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the outskirts of the crowd, where he was hiding 
to witness the outcome of the affair. 

"Dad," with the bellow of a bull, rushed his 
assailant and sought to get him in those big arms 
of his. John, realizing that he would stand little 
chance at close quarters, avoided the rush and, as 
the big man lunged by, planted a fist in his face. 
Blinded by the blow, the man turned and rushed 
again — with the same result. Finding he could 
accomplish nothing by these tactics, he stood up 
to Pershing, his arms flying like flails as he tried 
to reach the elusive youth. It was a battle of 
blind rage against a cool, collected determination 
to make every blow count; and as usual, the latter 
won. Watching his opportunity, Pershing landed 
a heavy blow on the chin of his antagonist, who 
sank heavily to the ground, dead to the world. 

Pershing was not particularly elated over this 
victory, save that it proved to him that with deter- 
mination he could win out in the physical side of 
life, even against heavy odds. He turned to his 
pupils, who were eyeing their teacher with the 
respectful admiration of the small boy for a hero, 
and ordered them into the schoolhouse. Nothing 
could have impressed them more strongly than 
did this encounter that he was determined to have 
discipline. 

When the last of the children had disappeared 
into the building Pershing turned to the man, who 



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DECIDES TO COMPETE FOR WEST POINT 55 

was beginning to regain consciousness. He grinned 
sheepishly as he sat up. 

''Well, young feller," he said, '*I wouldn't have 
thought you had it in you. I guess that boy of 
mine has been pretty rambunctious and I reckon 
he got just what was coming to him. " 

He turned to his son, who, seeing how the wind 
blew, was trying to escape from the scene. 

''You go on back into that school and if I hear 
of any more cutting up I want the teacher to lick 
you good, and when you come home I'll whale 
you myself." 

When the young teacher entered the school- 
room there was silence, but upon the blackboard 
was this sentence: 

"Teacher is the boss here." 

Pershing pretended not to see this writing, but 
he smiled to himself with a feeling of security in 
the knowledge that never again in that school 
was he to have trouble which would make it impos- 
sible to accomplish what he had been sent there to 
do. 

"Cap" Henley and the school board heard of 
the affair and congratulated themselves upon having 
secured not only a teacher but a man. 

Still John applied himself to his books after the 
day's work was done. He had begun to read law, 
and found this one of the most difficult of all sub- 
jects to master by himself. It is not unlikely that 



56 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the world would have lost a great soldier while 
gaining a brilliant lawyer had not John Pershing 
seen this announcement in the Laclede Lancet, the 
little weekly paper that each week was sent to him 
by his mother : 

On July 15 there will be a competitive 
examination for the appointment of a cadet 
at the United States Military Academy at 
West Point. All honest, strong, God-fearing 
boys of this district may take part. 

J. H. Burroughs. 

Member of Congress, Second District. 

At first this announcement did not make any 
particular impression on Pershing. There was no 
indication then that the United States govern- 
ment ever would be in need of his services as a 
soldier. The mantle of peace appeared to have 
settled over the country for an indefinite period. 

The matter stuck in his mind, however; and, 
finally, he concluded it would do no harm to make 
inquiries about it. He knew that the Military 
Academy was a noted educational institution, and 
this fact alone was interesting to a boy of his tem- 
perament. He went down to Trenton, the home 
of Congressman Burroughs, to see him. Mr. 
Burroughs welcomed him and told him many 
interesting things about West Point. Seeing what 
a fine manly fellow this was, the congressman felt 
that he would feel proud to have John represent 



DECIDES TO COMPETE FOR WEST POINT 57 

him there. He pointed out to his visitor that it 
was the duty of every man to serve his country 
if he was able to do so. Instinctively John felt 
this, but the way of his duty never before had been 
pointed out in such fashion. He now resolved 
that, if possible, he would win that examination, 
go to West Point, and give all that was in him to 
the service of the land of his birth. With this 
decision he returned home and began to prepare 
for the competition. 

Mrs. Pershing at first, naturally enough, was 
reluctant to see him enter the army, as she much 
preferred to have him near her. At the same time 
she realized that she, too, owed a duty to the Stars 
and Stripes — the pioneer woman who had stood 
beside her husband and loaded the guns with which 
he defended their home against the bushwhackers 
of the Civil War. Convinced by reflection, she 
finally rejoiced in being able to give her son to the 
flag. The evening of July 14 Pershing went over 
to Trenton in readiness for the contest next morning. 

Seven stalwart boys presented themselves for 
the examination. One of them, to the surprise of 
the other six, was a negro. This was the first time 
that a member of this race had applied for appoint- 
ment to West Point from that congressional district, 
and his appearance created quite a stir. 

According to the schedule, the physical examina- 
tion came first. One by one the boys were led into 

5 



58 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the doctor's office and given a thorough test. Only 
two of those husky boys failed to pass. One was 
the negro. It was found that one of his feet was 
what is termed web-footed — that is, as in the case 
of a duck, there was a thin web of flesh connecting 
his toes. 

The mental test occupied the next day. Persh- 
ing found that his experience as a teacher greatly 
aided him in this part of the competition. He 
could remain cool and at ease during the questions, 
whereas some of the others were nervous and 
agitated — not so much by the questions themselves 
as by a realization of the importance of answering 
these correctly. Here was a menace to mental 
concentration. John had seen the effect of such 
nervousness as a teacher, hence when he entered 
the room it was with the resolution to permit 
nothing to interfere with the solution of any problem 
that might be placed before him. 

There was only one whom he really feared in 
the competition — a boy named Higginbotham, who 
had the reputation of being a brilliant student. 
However, John purposed to do the very best he 
could — and, if he did not win, it would be because 
Higginbotham was a better man. 

Higginbotham was first to complete his papers, 
and he passed from the room with a confident smile. 
John still had to verify some of his answers before 
being satisfied that they were correct. 



DECIDES TO COMPETE FOR WEST POINT 59 

That night was a very anxious one. The whole 
town, being interested in the event, turned out 
the next day to hear the announcement of the out- 
come. Congressman Burroughs, very impressive 
in his frock coat, stood up with the important 
paper in his hand. • 



CHAPTER IX 

Wins Honor at West Point; Graduated 
High in ClXss 

AS Congressman Burroughs stood before the 
waiting crowd on that July day in 1882 to 
announce the winner in the competition for 
appointment as a West Point cadet, John Pershing 
felt a keener anxiety and dread than he ever had 
experienced. He knew he had done his best ; but he 
did not know whether that best was good enough 
to defeat his competitor, Higginbotham. 

It seemed an age while the Honorable Mr. 
Burroughs fumbled for his glasses, put them on, 
and made sundry other preparatory moves. As a 
further increase to the tension, he entered upon 
a lengthy preamble which was not unlike a political 
speech. At last he reached his main deliverance 
thus: 

''After a thorough examination of the papers 
we find that John J. Pershing of Laclede is the 
successful contestant, having defeated Frank Hig- 
ginbotham by one point. It is with great pleasure, 
therefore, that I shall send the name of John Persh- 
ing to the War Department in Washington as my 
appointment to the cadetship at West Point. In 

60 



WINS HONOR AT WEST POINT 6 1 

accordance with the usual custom, the name of 
Frank Higginbotham shall go as his alternate." 

Mr. Burroughs reached down and shook John's 
hand, warmly congratulating him on his victory. 
John replied: 

*'I believe this to be the greatest opportunity a 
man ever had. Although it seems hardly possible 
that this nation will draw the sword for a hundred 
years or more, I shall do my best to fit myself for 
any service our glorious flag may require. " 

Tearing himself from the many eager hands 
thrust toward him, he first sought his mother. 
There was a great pride in her eyes when she put 
her arms around him and whispered: 

'*My boy, I knew you would win." 

Just then the winner saw his late antagonist, 
Frank Higginbotham, on the outskirts of the 
crowd, hurrying away to hide his disappointment. 
John ran over to him and held out his hand. 

**I'm sorry — awfully sorry — that we both could 
not have won. I know how I would have felt 
had I been in your place. I don't want you to 
feel unkindly toward me, for I want to be your 
friend." 

Frank took his hand with a hearty grasp and 
wished him the greatest success in his new career. 

This competitive examination was only for the 
purpose of selecting the candidate for appoint- 
ment. John discovered that he would have to pass 



62 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

another and harder test at the MiHtary Academy- 
it self before he could actually be admitted. 

The examinations at West Point were held in 
June and in September. Those admitted on the 
early tests had the advantage of the training at 
the summer camp. John was not appointed until 
too late to take the June examination. It was in 
September, 1882, that he reported at West Point. 
He found that very few were to be examined with 
him, the majority having reported in June. Many 
of those with him were the alternates of men who 
had failed to pass earHer in the year. 

John had not been idle, and the stiff examination 
given by the army officers had no terrors for him. 
He passed with flying colors. 

A cadet entered in September was at a great 
disadvantage, as John soon found. He not only 
had to apply himself to the hard curriculum of the 
institution, but he had to learn in a very brief 
time those soldierly duties which most of his class- 
mates had spent all summer in practicing. Then, 
too, he had a feeHng that he was an "outsider." 
Friendships had been formed among the men of 
his class at the camp which did not include him. 
Against these difficulties he had to strive. 

The lowest class at the Point is called the ''plebe" 
class and John quickly found that a plebe was 
regarded by the upper classmen as somewhat 
lower than the floors they walked upon. Hazing 



WINS HONOR AT WEST POINT 63 

was ofificially frowned upon, but young Pershing 
probably had his share of all forms of hazing that 
were practiced during the 8o's at the Point. 

The instructors found that in him they had a 
cadet who was worth watching. The academy 
never was a place for one who shirked his studies. 
The thorough confidence with which John prepared 
his papers, and his complete grasp of the subject 
in hand, commanded the attention of the officers 
and it was realized, even during his plebe year, that 
he would rise far in his chosen career. At the end 
of the year he was one of the leaders of his class. 
He was now what was termed a "yearling." For 
the first two years a cadet was required to remain 
at the academy. No leave or vacation was given 
until the end of the second year — when he was 
given permission to return home for three months, 
unless he was so far behind in his studies that it 
was necessary for him to remain and catch up. 

With the prospect of returning home the next 
summer, John applied himself industriously. Cavalry 
instruction was not given until the second year. 
He interested himself particularly in this branch 
of the service. He loved horses, and the more he 
knew about them the more he loved them. A 
circus rider has no better training in equestrianism 
than has a West Point cadet. 

Before the outbreak of the great world's war the 
cavalry was the preferred branch of the service, 



64 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

and John Pershing, while in his ''yearling" class, 
set his heart upon having the crossed sabers of the 
cavalry on his collar after graduation. He knew 
he would not be given the privilege of choosing the 
branch in which he would serve, and all such assign- 
ments were made according to scholarship; so he 
had an additional incentive for study. 

John was given his furlough the following summer 
and arrived home in all the glory of his gray uniform 
on the Fourth of July, 1884. His mother was 
waiting on the steps for him, with the trace of tears 
in her eyes as she kissed her big soldier boy. The 
neighbors did not give her much opportunity to 
have her son to herself that first day, for they 
insisted upon overwhelming him with admiring 
attention. They were most curious about his life 
at the academy, and marveled at the striking uni- 
form he wore. 

All too soon the vacation was ended and he was 
back on the bluff overlooking the Hudson, hard at 
work again. 

The next two years passed very swiftly. As a 
first classman John Pershing was made a cadet 
captain and given command of a Company. This 
was the highest honor that any cadet could receive 
during his course, and is further proof that he was 
considered by his superiors to be of exceptional 
worth not only as a student, but as a soldier. 

At last graduation day came. John knew that 



WINS HONOR AT WEST POINT 65 

his name was high on the Hst and that he probably 
would be assigned to the cavalry. His determina- 
tion had won again. As he sat in Cullum Hall 
that day and listened to the Commandant and the 
Secretary of War, he realized fully the lofty purpose 
to which he now had dedicated his life. That day 
he received his commission as a second lieutenant 
in the cavalry. This commission, signed by Grover 
Cleveland as President of the United States, is one 
of General Pershing's most valued possessions. 

With the rest of his classmates, he rushed back 
to the barracks to find what orders awaited him. 



CHAPTER X 

Campaigning Against Indians — Enters 
THE War with Spain 

THE newly commissioned lieutenant, John 
J. Pershing, hurried to his quarters in the 
old barracks at West Point eager to learn 
where he would be stationed. In the orders from 
the War Department posted there he found that 
he was assigned to the Sixth Cavalry, then in the 
Southwest operating under General Nelson A. 
Miles against the famous Apache warrior Geronimo. 

It was concededly a great honor to be immediately 
assigned to a regiment really in action, and Persh- 
ing fully appreciated this. 

The young lieutenant found life in Arizona quite 
different from that at West Point. No longer was 
there need to put in the long hours of study which 
had been customary since he was a child; but there 
was plenty of work to do of another kind. There 
was continuous action against the Indians in those 
days. The different bands would attack suddenly 
some detached point and as quickly disappear. 
The troops were constantly at the call of settlers, 
and for weeks at a time Pershing was in the saddle 
almost continuously with his troop pursuing some 
of the elusive red skins. 

66 



CAMPAIGNING AGAINST INDIANS 67 

In one of the army records of that period is a 
note concerning one of these incidents in which 
Lieutenant Pershing figured. 

Supphes were urgently needed at one of the posts 
in August, 1887. The commandant selected Persh- 
ing to convoy the pack train which would carry 
these necessities. The young officer, with his 
troop and the pack train, set forth. Their way 
led through a desert. Hardly had they entered this 
when they became aware that there were Indians 
about. They could see the smoke signals all about 
them. Pershing pushed on with added speed. 

Every mesquite bush seemed to hide an Indian 
sniping at them. Several times a band circled them, 
attempting to pick them off. Pershing success- 
fully fought off these attacks with no casualties to 
his troop. For forty-eight hours he and his men 
held their way through that desert at top speed, 
with the ever-present expectation of being attacked 
in force. They knew that if that should happen, 
they would stand no chance of breaking through. 
The Httle band finally reached the fort, exhausted, 
but without the loss of a man or a horse. 

General Miles, when he heard of this feat, 
officially commended Lieutenant Pershing as having 
accomplished a particularly fine piece of work. 

The young lieutenant later was transferred with 
a part of his regiment to Fort Wingate. 

One afternoon a wounded cowboy fell from his 



68 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

horse at the entrance to the fort. Soldiers rushed 
to his assistance; but, before he would permit them 
to attend to his wounds, he insisted that they send 
aid to his friends. 

It appeared that, with a band of cowboys from 
his ranch, he had gone in pursuit of several cattle 
thieves. They rode hard on the trail all night and 
in the morning overtook and captured the band. 
On their way home with their prisoners they were 
attacked by more than a hundred Zuni Indians 
on the warpath. They took hasty shelter among 
the rocks and for hours held off the assailants, with 
the assistance of their captives. It was a long, 
losing fight. Several of the cowboys were killed 
and not one was without a wound of some sort. 
They knew that at nightfall the Indians would 
rush them and all would be lost. He told how he, 
under cover of a heavy fire, had made his way over 
the rocks and had hastened to the fort. 

With not a moment to lose, Pershing took the 
few men who could be spared — about ten — and 
dashed to the rescue. Night was falHng, but they 
could hear irregular shots in the distance. Pershing, 
fearing that he would not be in time, speeded up his 
party. When they were near the scene the firing 
increased. It must be that the Indians were begin- 
ning the rush that was to end the battle. Down the 
hill came Pershing and his little troop and burst 
upon the astonished savages from the rear with his 



CAMPAIGNING AGAINST INDIANS 69 

few men so scattered that the Redskins could not 
estimate their number. The blue uniforms, how- 
ever, gave them the impression that here was a force 
to be reckoned with; and, with a few scattering 
volleys, the Indians withdrew and soon were in full 
flight. 

Pershing assisted the cowboys back to the fort 
and placed the cattle thieves in charge of the mar- 
shal there. The prisoners were well pleased with 
this arrangement, for they had expected to figure in 
a ''necktie party," which the cowboys had threatened 
when they were captured. 

In 1890 came the Sioux wars in the Dakotas. 
General Miles selected Lieutenant Pershing because 
of his knowledge of Indians and of Indian fighting 
to command the Indian Scouts. These were made 
up of Indians and were used chiefly to find and follow 
the slight trails left by the wily raiders. In this 
position Pershing was constantly in the fray and 
figured in many thrilling fights and ambushes. He 
was the idol of the men serving under him, and for 
this reason was able to get the best results from them. 

It was not long before the last of the fierce tribes 
of the West were forced to a realization that they 
never could successfully combat the forces of the 
white race. One by one the tribes submitted and 
were placed under the paternal hand of the govern- 
ment on reservations, where their welfare was closely 
guarded. 



70 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

In the early 90 's Lieutenant Pershing was assigned 
as military instructor at the University of Nebraska, 
and about the same time — in 1892 — was promoted 
to a first lieutenancy. Here, again, he found himself 
in the position of teacher. This time, however, he 
was teaching an art which by experience he was 
best qualified to teach. It is probable that his suc- 
cess in this position led the War Department to 
transfer him to that institution where he received 
his own war training — West Point. He was detailed 
as tactical officer. This position at the academy is 
not a popular one. The very nature of the work — 
being of a disciplinary character — is not pleasing 
and it was with full understanding of this that 
Pershing reported. 

There was little reverence paid to the *'tack," as 
the tactical officer was called by the cadets. They 
could appreciate, probably, the need of strict disci- 
pline, but they could not appreciate the man who 
administered it. 

There is a story that on one occasion Lieutenant 
Pershing, upon opening the door to his room, 
received the contents of a bucket of water which 
had been carefully balanced there for that purpose. 
Probably he himself had helped to play the same 
sort of trick when a cadet. At any rate, there is no 
record that anyone was punished for this offense. 

Several years of service in an official capacity at 
West Point is proof that his work there was exceed- 



CAMPAIGNING AGAINST INDIANS 71 

ingly efficient. No officer could remain there in that 
work for any length of time who did not produce 
the most satisfactory results. 

Early in 1898 the United States battleship 
''Maine," lying at anchor in the harbor of Havana, 
was blown up. For years the tyranny with which 
Spain governed her island possession of Cuba had 
cast a shadow on the flag of liberty. This act of 
defiance furnished the spark that was to light the 
fire of freedom for the oppressed island. 

The United. States declared war. Great prepara- 
tions were necessary for training an army of invasion. 
Every officer and every man was needed. 

Lieutenant Pershing could not endure remaining 
at West Point while there was fighting to be done. 
He therefore applied for transfer to active service. 
His application was approved and he was trans- 
ferred to the Tenth Cavalry, which was expected to 
be among the first troops to go to Cuba. 

It is interesting to note that the Tenth Cavalry 
was a colored regiment — one of the best — with a 
brilliant record. This was the second time that 
Pershing had come in close contact with the negro 
race, and each occasion proved that he was capable 
of leading them. 



CHAPTER XI 

Distinguished Service in Cuba and the 
Philippines 

THE Tenth Cavalry was one of the first to be 
sent to Cuba, and Lieutenant Pershing was 
again on the firing Hne. His regiment, unHke 
others, did not suffer from the great heat of the 
Cuban summer, and for this reason could be used 
most advantageously. 

Theodore Roosevelt, who had been assistant 
secretary of the navy, had been instrumental in 
organizing a regiment, of which he was lieutenant 
colonel, composed principally of cowboys and hard 
fighters. They were popularly known as the Rough 
Riders. 

With the Rough Riders and several other regi- 
ments the Tenth Cavalry was thrown against the 
hill of El Caney, near San Juan. The Rough 
Riders were deployed and advanced. A terrific 
fire from the blockhouse swept over them. On 
the unsheltered hill they were in danger of being 
cut off, when the gallant Tenth came tearing up 
the hill. The united strength of the two regiments 
carried the hill, and the Stars and Stripes were 
firmly planted on the island of Cuba. 

72 



SERVICE IN CUBA AND THE PHILIPPINES 73 

It is said that in this captured blockhouse Pershing 
first met Colonel Roosevelt. Their meeting under 
such circumstances may account for the warm 
admiration that Roosevelt has always shown for 
Pershing. It certainly gave him some knowledge of 
the ability of the soldier — a knowledge that he 
afterward acted upon. 

There was a serious shortage of trained officers 
in the large volunteer army that had been hastily 
raised for the occupation of Cuba, and many younger 
officers of the regular army were transferred to the 
volunteers and given higher rank. Pershing was 
one of these. He had already been promoted to a 
captaincy in the regular army for bravery at El 
Caney; now he was commissioned as major in the 
volunteers and served as such throughout the 
remainder of the Cuban campaign. 

Ordered to Washington, after his services in 
Cuba and the defeat of Spain, to take charge of 
the newly created Bureau of Insular Affairs, he 
was there but a short time when he received orders 
to proceed to the Philippines, in 1899, as adjutant 
general of the Department of Mindanao. Fate 
decreed that he was to be in those islands for eight 
years — a most important period in his life. 

The Moros, that fierce tribe which the Spaniards, 
former owners of the Philippines, never could sub- 
due, had proved as untractable when the United 
States took possession of the islands. Captain 



74 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Pershing — he had resumed his regular army rank 
after the Cuban campaign — was detailed against 
these savages. The Moros were the mighty people 
of the Philippines. They were by far the largest 
tribe among the many that inhabited the islands. 
They were separated into innumerable * 'nations," 
each under the rule of a petty sultan. Each of 
these sultans made individual war against the 
United States, with the result that they had to be 
separately subdued. And it often happened that 
as soon as the last had been subdued the whole 
program had to be repeated. 

Captain Pershing served in several campaigns 
with success against various tribes until 1902. 
In April of that year he was ordered to report to 
Colonel Baldwin of the Twenty-seventh Infantry 
at Camp Vicars, in Mindanao. Colonel Baldwin 
had just completed the conquest of the Bayans 
under their sultan. Soon after the arrival of 
Pershing, Colonel Baldwin was promoted to be a 
brigadier general in recognition of his services and 
was appointed to the command of the Department 
of the Vicayas. 

Captain Pershing was left in command of Fort Vicars. 

On September 9, 1902, he reported to the War 
Department that there was danger of another 
revolt. There had been twelve desultory attacks 
since the Bayans had been subdued, and matters 
were rapidly coming to a head. 



SERVICE IN CUBA AND THE PHILIPPINES 75 

The Sultan of Maciu was the reputed leader of 
these new attacks, and Pershing decided to carry 
the war into his country. The Macius had their 
stronghold on a promontory on a lake. Heavy 
swamps shut off the promontory from the main- 
land, so that their fort practically had all the 
advantages of an island. In fact, the Sultan 
of Maciu often had boasted that his fort was 
impregnable. 

Captain Pershing thoroughly reconnoitred the 
position and came to the conclusion that it was not 
so secure as the sultan believed. Discarding the 
idea of using boats to reach the point, he bridged it 
from several directions and attacked in force. The 
army of Maciu quickly recognized the superiority 
of the American forces and surrendered. 

Things were fairly quiet at Fort Vicars that winter. 
Several minor attacks were suppressed, with no 
loss. In February, 1903, the Sultan of Bayan made 
a call of state at the American fort. He wished to 
inspect for himself the headquarters of the force 
which had conquered his people, to see if he could 
discover the source of their success. Pershing recog- 
nized the importance of the visit and made it one 
of great ceremony — such as was due a royal person- 
age. 

The sultan was greatly impressed, and swore 
eternal friendship to the American flag. However, 
he made a strong protest to a suggestion by Pershing 



76 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

that the latter visit the sultan. As he cleverly put 
it, he didn't believe it would be advisable, as his 
people were very excitable. Pershing, disregarding 
the advice of the sultan, made the visit the very 
next month. He was courteously received by the 
sultan, when that dignitary saw the force of seven 
infantry companions and the battery of artillery with 
him. 

The only entrance to the fort commanded by the 
sultan was by means of ladders; Pershing and his 
oflficers climbed these ladders and paid their respects 
at the oriental court of the monarch. As a part of 
the ceremony, the Stars and Stripes were raised 
over the fort and the artillery fired a salute of 
twenty-one guns. It happened that there were no 
blanks in the caissons of the artillery and the salute 
had to be made with shrapnel. It was the first time 
the natives had ever seen this kind of ammunition 
and they were much interested as they watched its 
effect on the trees of the jungle. 

The sultan had a surprise for the American army 
officer, however. With all the love of the Oriental 
for ostentation, he created Captain Pershing of the 
United States army one of his Dattos. 

A Datto of the Moro people is not only a prince, 
but he has certain religious and judicial duties which 
are very important in their eyes. Pershing had the 
unusual honor of being the first person not a Moham- 
medan to have this honor conferred upon him. He 



SERVICE IN CUBA AND THE PHILIPPINES 77 

did not care particularly about the honor, but it 
gave him a certain prestige with the natives of 
which he could make use in his capacity as governor 
of that province. 

The Moros had not recognized the authority of 
the United States to govern them. All officers 
intrusted with executive powers worked, therefore, 
at a disadvantage. Here was an officer, however, 
empowered by the United States to govern the 
natives who at the same time was one of their own 
Dattos. Hereditary laws compelled their obedience 
to him, and they recognized his authority as their 
judge. 

Such a condition was bound to produce beneficial 
results. The territory controlled by Fort Vicars 
became one of the most law-abiding in the Islands. 
The majority of the natives soon learned that they 
could secure more real justice from their American 
Datto than from one of their own race and religion. 
They came for miles around to let Captain Pershing 
decide their cases. 

With the exception of a few of the outlying 
tribes, the region had been conquered. Acting 
upon orders. Captain Pershing set out thoroughly 
to pacify these. 



CHAPTER XII 

His Marriage, and Service in Japan; 
Appointed a Brigadier 

IN April, 1903, there remained only one tribe of 
the Moros who had not been conquered by 
Captain Pershing in the district controlled by 
Fort Vicars on the Island of Mindanao. This tribe, 
ruled by the Sultan of Anparugano, was in the Ta- 
raca country on the eastern shore of Lake Lanao. 
It was farthest removed from the influence of civili- 
zation, and its members firmly believe they were 
more than a match for the American forces. 

There had been many reports of disturbances in 
this part of the district, and Captain Pershing 
resolved to teach the agitators a lesson which they 
would not soon forget. He marched upon Lake 
Lanao with the greater part of his force. There 
was no chance of his surprising the enemy. Their 
scouts could follow closely the American force as 
it cut its way through the dense jungle with no 
danger of being observed.' Any American force 
that moved through the Philippine jungle did so 
with the knowledge that at any time a bolo, hurled 
by a native, might whistle through the air. 

After driving off several scattered attacks in the 
jungle Pershing arrived at Lake Lanao, where he 

78 



HIS MARRIAGE AND SERVICE IN JAPAN 79 

found the enemy in force. On April loth he cleaned 
out the town of Bacolod by a heroic charge against 
the natives. It was a case of bayonets in the hands 
of his soldiers against the krisses of the Moros. 
The stamina of the white race was predominant, but 
the battle was so fierce that very few natives escaped 
with the news to their sultan. 

Making his way around the lake, Captain Pershing 
fought a decisive battle with the entire force of the 
Sultan of Anparugano on the east shore of Lake 
Lanao and utterly defeated him — 115 Moros were 
killed and seven wounded. 

Making forced marches, Pershing hastened to the 
other strongholds of the natives and in a short time 
had captured ten forts which occupied formidable 
positions on the Tarac River. These he dismantled, 
and returned to Fort Vicars with the satisfaction 
of having pacified for the first time the Tasaca region 
of the island of Mindanao. 

He was congratulated for these services by his 
commanding officer, and on May 11, 1903, Elihu 
Root, secretary of war, cabled: 

"Express to Captain Pershing and officers and 
men under his command the thanks of the War 
Department for their able and effective accom- 
plishment of a difficult and important task." 

Soon afterward Pershing was appointed to the 
General Staff of the army and ordered to Washing- 
ton, in recognition of his notable services in the 



8o GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Philippines. This new post was one much sought 
after by army officers. 

On September i6, 1904, he was selected by the 
chief of staff to take a course of instruction in higher 
maneuvers at the Army War College in Washington. 
This course was for the benefit of officers who were 
considered especially efficient in the art of war, and 
was usually preliminary to advancement to an 
important post. 

It may be worthy of note, particularly in view of 
later events, that about the time Pershing was sta- 
tioned at the Army War College the Kaiser, believing 
that he could impress this country with the military 
greatness of Germany, presented to the United 
States government a bronze statue of his warlike 
ancestor, Frederick the Great. This statue was 
accepted by the nation and a place was found for 
it at the Army War College— at the point where 
the Anacostia River joins the Potomac. Within 
the past few months this statue has been torn 
down, relegated to a basement, and may be turned 
into ammunition for use against the Kaiser. It is 
doubtful if the future commander of the American 
forces against the Emperor of Germany found this 
tribute to Teutonic autocracy and militarism any 
inspiration in his work. 

About the time of his appointment to the Army 
War College, President Roosevelt, in the course of a 
message to Congress, spoke highly of Captain 



HIS MARRIAGE AND SERVICE IN JAPAN 8l 

Pershing's exploits in the PhiHppines. That day is 
a memorable one with Pershing. In the evening he 
received an invitation to dinner from Miss Millard, 
daughter of Senator Millard of Nebraska, who was 
prominent in Washington society. He accepted, 
little thinking that this dinner was to change the 
whole course of his life. 

He found that he was expected to take in a Miss 
Frances H. Warren. He knew Senator Warren of 
Wyoming, who was on the Committee on Military 
Affairs, and surmised that this was his daughter. 
He found in Miss Warren a charming girl, and 
expressed a wish to see her again. 

Later in the week there was a dance at Fort 
Meyer, across the river from Washington. Captain 
Pershing was there, of course, and so was Miss 
Warren. After that there were many meetings. 
The young woman was quite a belle in Washington, 
and Pershing, captured by Cupid, found he was not 
alone in his suit for her hand. 

There are rumors that before Captain Pershing 
finally won her, a young naval officer was high in 
the favor of Frances Warren. The army was 
victor, however, and Senator Warren announced the 
engagement of his daughter to Captain Pershing on 
January lo, 1905. 

Hardly had the engagement been published when 
the prospective bridegroom was ordered to proceed 
to Japan as military attache to the American em- 



82 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

bassy. The happy pair decided that Tokio would 
be a delightful place to pass their honeymoon, and 
preparations for the wedding were accordingly 
hastened. On January 27th they were married at 
St. John's Church in Washington. President and 
Mrs. Roosevelt were among the occupants of a 
front pew and were the first to offer their congratu- 
lations. The same afternoon Captain and Mrs. 
Pershing left for the Orient. 

The first of the great modern wars was impending. 
Russia was becoming deeply involved with the 
empire of Japan. 

Upon Pershing's arrival in Tokio the war was 
already in progress, and he was to have the priv- 
ilege of being the first American officer to watch 
the mighty preparations for conduct of a war by 
modern methods. He was assigned as an observer 
by the Japanese government to go with the army 
commanded by General Kuroki. He went through 
the whole campaign with that victorious general. 

His observations on this occasion were to be of 
great advantage in his future work. He made a 
complete report to the War Department which was 
remarkable for the insight and care with which he 
analyzed the campaign. As a recognition of his 
services the Emperor of Japan presented him with 
the Order of the Sacred Treasure. As no American 
officer could accept a decoration, or any mark of 
favor, from the ruler of a foreign country, Secretary 



HIS MARRIAGE AND SERVICE IN JAPAN 83 

Root asked Congress to grant special permission 
for the captain to retain this distinction. 

President Roosevelt for many years had taken 
a personal interest in Pershing. He had noted 
many instances of the sterling worth of the man. 
The American army in those days was notably 
slow in the matter of promotion. Each advance- 
ment, according to custom, was made in the order 
of seniority. 

Captain Pershing stood well up in the list of 
captains, but in the ordinary course of events 
several years would probably elapse before his 
promotion to higher rank. 

President Roosevelt was not authorized to make 
promotions except by the regular method. He 
was authorized, however, to make appointments, 
even from civil life, to two ranks — that of second 
lieutenant and that of brigadier general. That 
the nation might have the greatest possible benefit 
from the unusual qualifications that Pershing 
possessed, the President, in a way that was cus- 
tomary with him, shocked the country and many 
hide-bound officers of the army by sending to Con- 
gress on September 15, 1906, the nomination of 
Captain Pershing for brigadier general. 



CHAPTER XIII 

Suppression of the Moros; Tactics in Jungle 
Warfare 

AS was to be expected, many protests were 
entered against the confirmation of President 
Roosevelt's nomination of Captain Pershing 
for brigadier general. There were 852 officers who 
were his superiors in rank, and most of them 
had been longer in the service. Although many 
regarded Pershing as the most competent officer 
in the army and fully deserving of promotion, they 
felt that this should be brought about in the regular 
way and not by special preferment. A lobby was 
organized to combat the confirmation of this 
appointment by the Senate, and the fight continued 
several months. It grew very bitter, and several 
ridiculous charges were made reflecting upon Persh- 
ing's character. These were shown to be absolutely 
without foundation, and on December 6, 1906, the 
appointment was confirmed, and Pershing was 
commissioned a brigadier general. 

His first assignment as an officer of this grade 
was to the command of the Department of Cali- 
fornia. This post was selected for him before his 
confirmation by the Senate, and he had not yet 

84 



SUPPRESSION OF THE MOROS 85 

been commissioned when he was ordered to take 
command of the Department of Visaya in the 
Philippines on November 15, 1906. 

There was prospect of further trouble in the 
Islands, and General Pershing was the best man 
they could select for the task of firmly placing them 
under the American flag for all time. 

While he was in the Philippines on this assign- 
ment three beautiful children came to bless the 
general and his wife. It is probable that the 
happiest days of his life were spent there. 

General Pershing ruled over the department 
with an iron hand, and no serious trouble resulted 
— although there was a continuation of guerrilla 
warfare that made it dangerous to attempt much 
for the development of the Islands. The idea of 
conferring self-government upon the Filipinos was 
seriously considered even at this time. Pershing 
opposed this proposition. He held that, since the 
natives never had been accustomed to take care 
of themselves, if they were suddenly placed in a 
self-governing position, the sequel would be disas- 
trous not only to the United States, but to the 
natives themselves. 

President Taft had given orders not to press any 
campaign against the Moros; therefore Pershing, in 
compliance with these orders, merely held in check 
an open rebellion. 

After three successive years in the tropics General 



86 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Pershing's health failed, and he obtained a three- 
months leave to return home, arriving in this 
country on January 17, 1909, with his family. 
He was soon back at work in the Islands, however, 
and in 19 10 was in complete command of the 
Department of the Philippines after Major General 
William P. Duvall retired and until General J. 
Franklin Bell, his successor, arrived. 

Upon the occasion of the celebration in Hong 
Kong of the coronation of King George of England, 
in June, 191 1, Governor General W. Cameron 
Forbes of the Philippines named General Pershing, 
then in command of the Department of Mindanao, 
and Justice Charles D. Elliott, member of the 
Philippine Commission, to represent the Philippines. 
This was one of a series of celebrations that were 
held in each of the many countries under the domin- 
ion of Great Britain. 

The next year, in August, 191 2, Pershing again 
was chosen to represent the United States, being 
appointed special attache of the commission, headed 
by Secretary of State Knox, to attend the funeral 
ceremonies in honor of the late ruler of Japan, 
Emperor Mutsuhito. 

These two missions were only incidents in the 
career of the military governor of the province of 
Mindanao. His chief work in the Philippines was 
yet to be accomplished. The nonaggressive policy 
of the adminstration was called to a halt when the 



SUPPRESSION OF THE MOROS 87 

Moros, under the Sultan of Jolo, began to wage 
active war against the American forces. 

General Pershing had always held that, once 
these ignorant people had been thoroughly taught 
not only that the United States was stronger than 
they, but that under its rule they would prosper 
and be well cared for, they would cease this con- 
tinuous warfare. A lesson of this kind would 
undoubtedly be a severe one, but to accomplish its 
purpose it should be strong enough to make it well 
remembered. 

The lax rule of the civil government of the Philip- 
pines was the cause of much of the trouble in the 
Islands. Some of the more isolated tribes, indeed, 
had come to believe that the United States was 
afraid of them when it did not seek to punish their 
misdeeds. 

When the serious outbreak came, General Persh- 
ing was given a free hand. The Moros that he 
was called upon to bring to terms had mobilized 
in the crater of an extinct volcano called Bud Dajo, 
on the island of Jolo. To drive this tribe out of 
the crater had been a task with which the army 
had contended vainly since 1906. 

Pershing told his officers that the Moros would 
come out of that crater if it took him ten years to 
do the job. There were six hundred of them — 
every one a Mohammedan fanatic — in the crater 
fortification when the general started to ''clean out 



88 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the mountain hole." Without Bud Dajo safely 
and securely in American control the Moro problem 
never would be solved. 

With one thousand men, half of them his own 
trusted troopers and the others picked Filipino 
scouts, the campaign was opened. The Americans 
and the scouts had to proceed through miles and 
miles of dense tropical jungle, opposed almost 
every yard of the way by the hidden Moros. But 
Pershing kept on and finally fought his way to the 
foot of the mountain. His jungle fighters cut a 
trail around the mountain, and, fortifying them- 
selves against attack from above, began the siege. 
He formed a complete cordon about the old volcano 
and calmly instituted a campaign of watching for 
the first sign of a move by the Moros to leave the 
crater — waiting for his chance to get them if they 
tried to cut their way through the cordon. 

In their retreat to the crater the Moros had been 
so hotly pursued that for once they had been unable 
to take with them the supplies that would make 
possible a long stand. At last the iron ring began 
to make itself felt, and in small detachments the 
Moros tried to gain the open by dashing through 
the American lines. Every dash was frustrated, 
the fanatics rushing forth to certain death. 

Finally, on Christmas Day, 191 1, the four hun- 
dred Moros still left in the crater did something 
that a Moro seldom had done ; most of them marched 



SUPPRESSION OF THE MOROS 89 

down the mountain and surrendered. A few broke 
to the jungle, but the regulars pursued these, and 
in the end they paid the penalty of their daring. 

With Bud Dajo captured, General Pershing set 
forth to finish his task. On January ii, 191 2, 
there followed, on La Seit, a stiff engagement 
which resulted in the death of eighteen Moros and 
the serious wounding of two Americans. For 
nearly eighteen months more the campaign lasted. 
Every few days there was a skirmish of some sort, 
but Pershing was determined not to pause until 
the Moros had been completely subdued and the 
authority of the American flag recognized. That 
task may be said to have been accomplished when 
he won the battle of Bagaag in June, 19 13. The 
Moros had made a last stand, and the Sultan of 
Jolo, who commanded them, had told them that he 
would become lord of the United States as well as 
of Jolo in the event of American defeat. At dawn 
on June 12 General Pershing ordered his artillery 
to open fire and followed this by a charge of his 
cavalry and infantry forces. The battle ended in 
complete victory for his men, and marked the 
final break of all Moro opposition to the American 
rule. 

The Moros and all the unruly tribes of the Philip- 
pines had finally learned their lesson. They real- 
ized that the United States was not only a mighty 
nation, but one not to be trifled w^ith. They learned 



go GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

that the Stars and Stripes, as personified by the 
general who had conquered them, was a potent 
emblem and its protection not to be despised. 

It is probable that no one in the Philippines 
regretted more keenly than did these same Moros 
General Pershing's departure when he received 
orders, December ii, 19 13 relieving him of his 
command in the Islands and calHng him back to 
America, where a greater task awaited him. 






CHAPTER XIV 

Pershing's Family Tragedy; Mexican 
Border Raids Begin 

UPON his return to this country after pacifica- 
tion of the Phihppines General Pershing was 
stationed at the Presidio, near San Francisco._ 
Early in 19 14 the poHtical situation in Mexico 
became so chaotic that the United States could 
not afford to overlook it. For several years a reign 
of terror had existed within the borders of that 
republic. At times there was some promise of a 
stable government, but in every case the promise 
lasted only until some new bandit was able to 
obtain a sufficient following to overthrow the existing 
authority. Madero, the president from whom great 
things were expected, had lately been slain by the 
ambitious and unscrupulous Huerta, whohad assumed 
thepresidency and was attempting to rule a small por- 
tion of Mexico by the force of his outlaw soldiers. 

There was a suspicion even at that time that a 
mighty nation across the Atlantic was the guiding 
hand behind Huerta. It is now known that, even 
before the outbreak of the great world's war, in 
August of the same year, Germany had her agents 
in Mexico and was conducting a strong propaganda 
against the United States. 

91 



92 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Germany long had maintained a keen watch 
for attractive commercial opportunities. Mexico 
was rich in metals so necessary to Germany, which 
lacked an adequate supply. Mexico had some of 
the richest oil fields in the world. The United 
States and Great Britain had developed these 
resources, and they were most important. Ger- 
many had a strong belief that if she could instigate 
trouble between the United States and Mexico 
she might be in a position to seize some of the 
concessions and privileges that had been enjoyed 
by this country. 

It is known that Germans did aid in the financing 
of Huerta's revolution and advised him in some of 
the steps that were taken under his direction. 
Controlled by these influences, Huerta offered a 
grave insult to the Stars and Stripes. 

The United States had stood for much during 
the turbulent times in Mexico because it knew 
that it was dealing with an irresponsible people 
and felt that a nation as great as this could afford 
to overlook many things. An impressive lesson 
must be administered, however, to prevent a 
repetition of the offensive acts. 

As one of the first measures General Pershing 
was ordered to take command of the Eighth Bri- 
gade, with headquarters at Fort Bliss, near El Paso, 
Texas. No one knew then whether Mexico could 
be induced to make suitable reparation for the 



PERSHING S FAMILY TRAGEDY 93 

insult or whether the United States would find it 
necessary to force such reparation. 

General Pershing arrived at Fort Bliss on April 
28, 19 14, and after an inspection of the forces at 
his command made this statement: 

"I am ready to take the field on five minutes' 
notice." 

But the time for an invasion of Mexico with the 
armed forces of the United States had not yet 
arrived. General Funston, who was in Command of 
operations in that region, placed General Pershing 
at the head of the important border patrol, which 
had supervision of all imports and exports. It 
was his duty to see that neither Huerta nor any of 
the various leaders received arms from this side. 

Pancho Villa at this time was in control of the 
rich Mexican state of Chihuahua. He had defied 
the power of Huerla and set up a nominal govern- 
ment of his own at Chihuahua City. As a means 
of obtaining sufficient revenue to operate his govern- 
ment he had established a miniature Monte Carlo. 
Things flourished in Chihuahua after this. With 
plenty of money Villa grew stronger, and this 
government, not reahzing the true character of 
the man, seriously considered recognizing him as 
the ruler of Mexico. 

General Bliss, chief of staff of the army, went 
to El Paso and had several conferences there with 
Villa, in which General Pershing, in his official 



94 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

capacity, took part. Nothing definite came of 
these conferences, however, and the disturbances 
continued. 

Villa, although very prosperous, was not able to 
secure enough arms and ammunition from the 
American side to hold his state against his rivals. 
Huerta was finally deposed, but Carranza, who 
had been growing stronger, stepped into his place and 
declared his former ally, Villa, to be a bandit. 

It was at this critical stage that General Pershing 
received a telephone call at headquarters on the 
morning of August 27, 191 5. The operator asked 
if he should read a telegram for the general which 
had just arrived. Requesting that this be done, 
the general heard a dread message that Mrs. Persh- 
ing and her three children had been suffocated in 
a fire that consumed their house at the Presidio. 

General Pershing had prepared a home for his 
family at Fort Bliss and expected to send for them 
as soon as the heat of the summer was past. Mrs. 
Pershing and the children meanwhile had been 
occupying quarters at the Presidio. Many of 
these houses were of light frame construction and 
extremely inflammable. 

Mrs. Boswell, wife of Lieutenant Boswell, and 
a relative, were occupying the house with Mrs. 
Pershing. Mrs. Boswell was awakened by the 
roar of the flames, and with her maid awakened 
her two children and then called to Mrs. Pershing. 



1 



PERSHING S FAMILY TRAGEDY 95 

She then opened the door to the hall. A gust of 
smoke drove her back and she saw flames in the 
hallway. She took her children to the stairs, but 
saw that they were cut off by fire, and retreated 
through her room to the roof of the porch. 

The noise of the fire had by this time aroused 
several of the officers and men, who broke in the 
doors of the house, but were forced back by the 
flames. Mrs. Boswell, from the porch roof, called 
to them and threw her two ^children to them 
safely, then jumped herself. 

The officers understood that Mrs. Pershing and 
the children had escaped, but Johnson, the Persh- 
ing's aged negro servant, whom they had found 
in the Philippines and brought with them to America 
did not see any of the family in the little crowd 
that surrounded the house, and dashed through the 
smoke and flames to search for them. 

He found Httle Warren Pershing on the floor of 
his room unconscious and carried him from the 
house. Other rescuers found the mother and the 
remaining two children in that part of the house 
most damaged by the flames. All three were dead. 

Warren was hurried to the hospital at the Presidio 
and tenderly cared for. He quickly revived and 
moaned for his father. 

General Pershing was completely stunned by 
the blow that had fallen upon him. He hastened 
to the Presidio to be with Warren and to take the 



96 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

bodies of his loved ones to Wyoming. Mrs. Persh- 
ing had always claimed Wyoming as her home, 
and had expressed a desire to be buried there. 

After the sad journey General Pershing decided 
to leave Warren, his little son, in the care of his 
sister, Miss May Pershing, who lived in Lincoln, 
Nebraska, as he could not personally care for the 
child. 

His duties meanwhile were calling, and, heavy 
of heart, he hurried back to the border. 

Villa was being hard pressed. Carranza's forces 
were taking his strongholds one by one, and he was 
fast becoming the bandit he was called. Desultory 
attacks were made on American citizens residing 
in Mexico. It is known that the German agents 
again were at work, this time with Villa, endeavor- 
ing to precipitate trouble between the United States 
and Mexico. 

Villa had managed to obtain some arms and 
ammunition through agencies in this country. 
These, however, were not in sufficient quantity to 
make it possible for him completely to regain his 
power. It had been intimated to him that if he 
could force the United States to intervene in Mexico, 
the overthrow of Carranza would estabHsh him at 
the head of a popular government. Villa seems to 
have grasped readily at the bait. 

One morning in March the country awoke to the 
news that the Mexican bandits under Villa had 



PERSHING S FAMILY TRAGEDY 97 

actually made a raid on an American town, the 
little city of Columbus, New Mexico. With a 
fusillade the Mexicans had dashed through the 
place, murdering inhabitants as they went, before 
an alarm could be given. A few had made a 
desperate stand, but had been overwhelmed by 
force of numbers. When the troop of American 
cavalry which had been hastily summoned reached 
Columbus, the Mexicans had vanished. 



CHAPTER XV 

Pershing's Pursuit of Villa; Becomes 
A Major General 

THE United States called for the punishment 
of the Mexican bandits who had raided 
Columbus. Immediate orders were issued 
for an expeditionary force to follow Villa and put 
an end to all raids on our southern border. 

General John J. Pershing was given command of 
this force and he decided to use Columbus as a base. 
He arrived there in mid-March, 191 6, and three 
days later had mobilized 12,000 picked troops, 
forty mountain and field gun batteries, and several 
regiments of cavalry — among them was the Tenth, 
his old regiment. He immediately set out with 
this force in search of Villa. Across the burning 
sands of Northern Mexico he forced his march. In 
forty-two hours he covered no miles — a record- 
breaking march in that country with so large a 
force. At Casas Grandes he formed a base from 
which to conduct his operations. Thence he sent 
his cavalry in all directions in search of the bandits. 

Villa had escaped to the mountains with only a 
few followers. Most of his men deserted him when 
they realized that this time the United States was 
in earnest, and that if they remained they would 

98 



PURSUIT OF VILLA 99 

probably be wiped out. In the remote mountain 
passes, where he was practically alone, it would be 
extremely difficult to locate Villa. 

While the Carranza government had nominally 
granted permission for United States troops to 
cross the border in this case, German propaganda 
had been so active that the Mexicans felt exceed- 
ingly bitter at the occupancy of their country by 
Pershing's army. Several attacks were made on 
detached troops by Mexicans who were believed to 
be under the command of Carranza. He disclaimed 
all responsibility for these acts, but said that he 
was not always able to control his men. He realized, 
if none of his countrymen did, that intervention in 
Mexican affairs by the United States would be disas- 
trous — at least to those Mexicans who had any 
personal ambition to gratify. 

In April the effects of the propaganda had reached 
such proportions that Carranza followers and 
civilians of the town of Parral made an unprovoked 
attack upon unarmed American troopers. A party 
of men from the Tenth Cavalry had approached the 
town seeking to purchase food. The townspeople 
demanded that they leave their arms behind when 
they entered. This the troopers did, not suspecting 
any trick. Once within the town, a murderous fire 
was opened upon them from the houses. Two 
Americans were killed and the remainder retreated 
toward their camp. Those in the camp, hearing 



lOO GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the shots, advanced and fired several volleys into 
the Mexicans, killing forty and dispersing the 
remainder. 

General Pershing immediately sent additional 
troops to Parral and demanded an explanation. 
Carranza declared that none of the men who par- 
ticipated in the attack were of his army, but were 
irresponsible townspeople. It was impossible to 
verify this statement, but Pershing demanded that 
Carranza make good his promise to use his troops 
in aiding him to clear the district of all Villa forces. 

On June 25, notwithstanding Carranza's assur- 
ances, two troops of the Tenth Cavalry were attacked. 
They were on a march and had approached the 
apparently deserted village of Carrizal. 

An ambush of Mexicans had been arranged among 
the ruins of the adobe houses. Waiting until the 
Americans were close at hand, they poured a wither- 
ing fire into their ranks. Quickly recovering from 
their surprise, the troopers prepared for action. A 
vastly superior force was in the ruins equipped 
with machine guns with which they were able to 
mow down the troopers. Notwithstanding these 
odds, a band of forty-three were able to cut their 
way through the surrounding Mexicans and make 
their way back to the American camp. Twenty- 
four troopers were captured and placed in a filthy 
Mexican jail. 

General Pershing, upon hearing of this outrage, 



PURSUIT OF VILLA lOI 

notified Carranza that, if he did not see that these 
men were returned to American soil immediately, 
he, himself, would take measures to have them 
returned. Carranza after many excuses, at last 
had the men returned. 

Conferences were arranged with the principal 
Mexican leaders after this affair, and the American 
ambassador-designate in the United States promised 
hearty co-operation by the Carranza forces. Car- 
ranza had begun to fear that the presence of the 
American forces would cause him a loss of prestige 
in the eyes of his followers, and he was willing to 
concede almost anything if the American army 
should be withdrawn. He did make a pretense of 
keeping order, and no other overt act was committed 
by his followers during the remainder of Pershing's 
stay. 

On December 25, 191 6, Pershing received his 
promotion to be a major general. He was the 
youngest officer of this exalted rank on the army 
list and the only American officer who had com- 
manded a division in actual warfare. 

The great European war had been raging for two 
years. Germany was in difficulties. She despaired 
of winning the United States to her side, as had 
been thought possible during the early days of the 
conffict. 

Always ruthless, Germany decided that she must 
be still more ruthless. The policy of an unrestricted 

8 



I02 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

submarine campaign was advocated. Germany- 
did not believe that this would cause the United 
States to declare war upon her. She had seen the 
nonaggressive tactics with which America had 
handled the Mexican situation. She believed that, 
even through our ships were sunk in the submarine 
campaign, a few more diplomatic notes on the 
subject would be the only result. She believed 
that we had no effective army, and that it would 
take years to raise one that would be worthy of 
the name. 

During the Villa campaign the United States, 
however, gave a very effective demonstration that 
it was possible to raise an army within a reasonable 
time. 

Hardly had Pershing's little army crossed the 
border when President Wilson sent out a call for 
the mobilization of the National Guard through- 
out the country. In a very short time these troops 
were on their way to Texas to undergo preliminary 
training. 

They had been called to face possible serious 
trouble with Mexico; and such was the fame of 
General Pershing that every National Guard regi- 
ment would gladly have followed him into hotter 
regions than Mexico. 

The raising and training of this army should 
have taught Germany that it was possible for the 
United States to raise and train an effective army 



1 



PURSUIT OF VILLA I03 

in an emergency, but the lesson was evidently 
wasted. 

The unrestricted submarine campaign had been 
definitely decided upon and a curt warning was 
given to America. President Wilson replied that 
he would take measures to protect American 
ships, and diplomatic relations with Germany were 
severed. 

General Pershing had been recalled from Mexico 
on January 28, 191 7. It is true that the primary 
purpose of the expedition had not been accom- 
plished. Villa had not been captured; but, with no 
followers, he was powerless to injure America. 
Pershing had dissipated the Villa command, and 
any search for him personally would have been 
like searching a haystack for a needle. The ulti- 
mate purpose of an American army in Mexico had 
been accomplished. Order had been restored on 
the border. An American citizen could travel in 
Northern Mexico and feel reasonably certain that 
he not only would reach his destination, but would 
be able to return home. More important still, an 
American could live near the border without fear 
that his family would be murdered by bandits 
at any moment. 

Pershing had taught Mexico that America was 
to be respected and the rights of American citizens 
guarded. It was with the satisfaction of having 
accomplished these results that he left Mexico. 



104 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

General Pershing always had been an advocate 
of universal military training as a means of national 
protection. He foresaw that the United States 
wo aid eventually be enmeshed in the world war. 
At various times he had both written and voiced 
his views on this subject. 

Alter diplomatic relations with Germany were 
broken it became a matter merely of weeks or 
months before there would be a declaration of war. 

The General Staff of the army and all officers of 
high command were consulted about the method 
of raising and training an army that would be large 
enough and sufficiently well trained to be able to 
cope with the great war machine of Germany. 
General Pershing was in favor of resorting to a 
draft as the only fair way to create an effective 
army in a reasonably short time. This was as near 
to universal service as was practicable. Accordingly 
a general registration was ordered and all the young 
men of the country who were physically sound and 
had no dependents were inducted into the army 
of the United States. 



CHAPTER XVI 

Named to Command Army; His Arrival 
IN France 

ON May 8, 191 7, Major General Pershing 
received orders from the War Department 
to proceed immediately to Washington for 
a conference. It was popularly supposed at that 
time that he would have an active part in the 
training of the new army. 

No one then believed that the United States 
would be able to send any substantial force to the 
scene of the war for a year at least. President 
Wilson, however, knew that if America was to 
win the war, measures must be taken immediately 
for effective operation. Her allies, England and 
France, were doing noble work, but their resources 
were becoming depleted. A campaign of pre- 
paration had to be inaugurated in the shortest time 
possible, so that the American forces would be ready 
against the time of need. 

Arriving in Washington, General Pershing was 
informed of the secret plans of the government, 
and drafted an outline of operations in conjunction 
with Marshal Joffre, commander of the French army, 
who was here on a special mission for his government. 

105 



Io6 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

On May 24, Pershing was summoned to the 
White House. The President wished to give him 
certain instructions. What these instructions were 
never will be definitely known; but in view of 
later events it is to be presumed that President 
Wilson mapped out the war policies of the govern- 
ment and intrusted him with the vitally important 
task of winning the war for America. 

General Pershing was regarded as the only logical 
man for this work. He had a long list of military 
victories to his credit. He had the reputation of 
never attempting a task in which he did not suc- 
ceed. He had the stick-to-it-iveness that always 
wins. He had the essential ability to lead men 
and to make them love him. In short, he was the 
ideal commander — the man who will take his men 
through thick and thin, always looking out for 
their welfare before considering his own. 

Four days later, on May 28, with his entire staff 
and a number of enlisted men from engineer regi- 
ments, he sailed for England on his way to estab- 
lish general headquarters near the front in France. 
Great secrecy was maintained about this sailing, 
for it was evident that Germany would be willing 
to sacrifice any number of U-boats to prevent the 
arrival of this distinguished officer in Europe. 
On June 6 the ship was met by destroyers flying 
the Stars and Stripes, which convoyed it through 
the submarine zone. On arrival in port, a special 



HIS ARRIVAL IN FRANCE 107 

train was awaiting the party, and soon they were 
in London. 

Pershing's arrival in England marked the dawn 
of a new epoch. It brought high encouragement 
and hope to the nations that had been suffering 
and giving their all for three years in the grim 
struggle of democracy against autocracy. America's 
entry into the conflict meant a new and mighty 
weapon against the Kaiser. Her army, under 
Pershing, would be the deciding factor in the victory 
that was sure to follow. 

At the earliest possible moment King George 
received General Pershing and his staff. Simplicity 
and cordiality marked this reception at Bucking- 
ham Palace. General Lord Brooke, commander 
of a Canadian brigade, presented the American 
commander. With a warm handclasp the king 
greeted Pershing. 

"It has been the dream of my life to see the 
two great English-speaking nations more closely 
united," said the king. ''My dream has been 
realized. It is with the utmost pleasure that I 
welcome you, at the head of the American con- 
tingent, to our shores. " 

He talked at length concerning the plans of 
the United States, and took occasion to become 
acquainted with each member of Pershing's staff. 

Leaving the palace, Pershing motored to the 
American embassy, where he had a conference 



Io8 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

with Ambassador Page, who later took him to the 
British War Office for a series of important meet- 
ings with the General Staff of the British army. 

The general was deluged with invitations of a 
social nature while in England. Many of these 
he was able to avoid on account of important 
business, but his host would not accept all declina- 
tions, and every free moment he was feted as a 
hero. 

On the 13 th of June he had an opportunity to 
inspect British fighting methods at first hand. He 
was taken by army officials to a training camp to 
watch the intensive instruction in trench work 
and other branches of modern warfare. General 
orders issued by Pershing, to the effect that the 
visit to England might be regarded in the light 
of a holiday, were generally disregarded, and much 
work was accomplished by both the general and 
his staff before they left for France. 

If the general had been hailed with delight in 
England, words cannot express the reception 
accorded him by the French as soon as he set foot 
upon their soil. General Dumas, commanding 
the northern region, met him at the pier in Bou- 
logne, and expressed the feeling of all France as he 
greeted him: 

*'I salute the United States of America, which 
has now become united to the United States of 
Europe, " he said. 



HIS ARRIVAL IN FRANCE 109 

It was the first time in history that a soldier 
wearing the American uniform had landed on the 
European continent with sword in hand for the 
purpose of using it against an enemy. It was a 
historic moment. Drawn up on the quay was a 
detachment of French infantry in battle uniform. 
They had come only recently from the trenches. 
As the American chief greeted their colors they 
came to salute and stood like statues as he passed 
slowly down the lines. 

It was with great emotion that the general 
reviewed these grizzled and middle-aged veterans. 
There was not a youth among them — that little 
detachment of the army of France. Each face 
showed an eagerness of welcome, and the few 
Americans present felt a heartthrob of pride at the 
splendid way in which the American commander 
fitted into the picture. His whole bearing reflected 
energy, determination, and a sympathetic under- 
standing. Even Frenchmen in the crowd — those 
who had seen warriors by the million during the 
past three years — declared that they never had 
seen a finer looking soldier. 

The news of the arrival spread rapidly, and 
before General Pershing could get into his car to 
drive to the station, a great crowd had congregated 
along the streets in response to the cry, "The 
Americans have come!" Thunderous cheers greeted 
the general as he passed along, and, turning to the 
French commander at his side, he remarked: 



lib GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

''This reception is of great significance. It 
makes us realize to the fullest the importance of 
American participation. America has entered the 
war with the intention of doing her share, no matter 
how great or how small that share may be. Our 
allies can depend upon that. From the present 
moment our aims are the same. ' 

The towns along the route from Boulogne to 
Paris had been advised of his coming, and at each 
station crowds had assembled to greet him. At 
Paris he met with the greatest reception that had 
been given to anyone since the outbreak of the war. 
From the moment the fortifications were reached 
every housetop, wall, and window was filled with 
cheering French — men and women. At the Gare 
du Nord special cordons of troops lined the plat- 
forms, while ranks of soldiers flanked every street 
for blocks and patrolled the route of the party all 
the way to the Hotel de Crillon in the Place de la 
Concorde, which had been placed at General Persh- 
ing's disposal as his headquarters. 

Paris turned out by tens of thousands, and it 
seemed that everyone was waving an American 
flag. Cries of ''Vive TAmerique!" became a 
sustained roar all along that densely crowded way. 

Among the many prominent officials who greeted 
General Pershing upon his arrival were Marshal 
JofTre, General Foch, the American ambassador, 
and M. Painleve, minister of public instruction and 
a member of the Council of Defense. 



HIS ARRIVAL IN FRANCE III 

The masses in the streets, as they followed the 
automobiles from the station, seemed to regard the 
coming of Pershing in the same light as they would 
view the advent of the army itself. He was the 
living, concrete proof that America's gigantic re- 
sources and boundless reserves of man power were 
at last definitely coming to the aid of France. They 
forgot the sufferings of the past three years; they 
forgot the rumors that some of the Allies were making 
a separate peace; they forgot the menace of the 
submarine. Here at last was America to help them 
— America, which had always stood in popular 
imagination as the symbol of limitless greatness. 

In the person of the simply dressed American 
commander they were cheering the whole American 
army — millions strong if need be — to carry the war 
to victory. They saw the Stars and Stripes, emblem 
of liberty, at last going forward beside the tri-color 
to the battlefields of France. 

As General Pershing stood on the balcony of the 
Hotel de Crillon that warm July day and looked 
down upon the cheering multitude, a thrill came to 
him like that which must have possessed the great 
Lafayette when he arrived at the headquarters 
of the little Continental Army and was greeted by 
the first American soldiers in our great struggle for 
freedom. 

As in the case of Lafayette, his presence was a 
promise of aid in the time of need. He realized that, 



112 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

although France was giving him her greatest token 
of appreciation, these cheers were intended for the 
mighty nation, a sister repubHc, whose uniform 
he wore. He was exalted in the name of the United 
States; but he would not have been human had he 
not felt also a personal satisfaction in being the 
representative of the nation for whom the cheers 
were intended. 

It was not possible for the general to refuse 
acknowledgment of this reception. In a few words 
he told of his mission : 

'*As a man and as a soldier, I am profoundly 
happy — proud indeed of the high mission with which 
I am charged. It is important to announce that 
we are the precursors of an army that is firmly 
resolved to do its part on the Continent for the cause 
the American nation has adopted as its own. We are 
conscious of the historic duty to be accomplished 
when our flag shows itself upon the battlefields of 
the Old World. It is not my role to promise or 
prophesy. Let it suffice to tell you, we know what 
we are doing and what we want." 



CHAPTER XVII 

Making Ready in France; First United 
States Force in France 

IMMEDIATELY after his arrival in Paris 
General Pershing was treated with a deluge 
of invitations similar to that he had experienced 
in London — but multiplied many times. He was 
in Paris, however, to work. He had to make things 
ready for that great vanguard of the American army 
that was ready even then to leave America whenever 
he should give the word. 

He opened his headquarters as soon as they could 
be made ready. They were the kind of headquarters 
that any American business man would like. No 
ostentation — none of the red tape that formerly 
was considered a necessary adjunct of any army 
headquarters. Pershing's office soon was noted as 
the busiest spot in Paris — and all Paris has been a 
pretty busy place since the war began. 

It does not require much imagination to under- 
stand the nature and requirements of the prepara- 
tions necessary for the shelter and care of a half- 
million or a milHon men. Pershing knew that 
eventually the American camps in France would 
aggregate possibly a city as big as New York. 
But he had the genius of a great organizer. 

113 



114 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Engineering, transportation, and supply prob- 
lems were to be on a big scale. The study of these 
problems and the actual work proceeded with the 
same system, and despatch as if they had been 
worked out in the office of a big corporation at home. 
All day long General Pershing was in conference 
with various department heads. Work of this sort 
did not tire him. Big difficulties seemed to chal- 
lenge his zeal and interest. 

He knew, even in those first days after his arrival, 
that France was expecting a great deal of this coun- 
try, and that America would have to live up to 
every expectation — and even more. All France 
was wondering what America could do and how 
soon she would do it. 

France was familiar with the traditional reputation 
of America for ''hustle." America had already 
traversed in three weeks the stages that took Eng- 
land two years, or nearly two years, to pass. In the 
very beginning she had adopted obligatory service. 
She had subscribed and oversubscribed in a space 
of days the largest loan of all times. She had taken 
up at the earliest moment the struggle against the 
submarines. With such speed in evidence France 
had a right to expect much. Pershing was the 
man to give her all she expected. 

An interesting event occurred in those early days 
of the American commander's stay in the French 
capital. It came as a dramatic climax to the cere- 



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FIRST UNITED STATES FORCE IN FRANCE II5 

monies attending his arrival. It was on the occa- 
sion of a visit to the InvaHdes, the tomb of Napoleon. 
Here the sword and the Grand Cross of the Legion 
of Honor which had been worn by the great French 
soldier were presented to Pershing for a moment. 
This signal honor France had never before bestowed 
upon any man. No Frenchman ever had been per- 
mitted to hold these historic relics in his hand. They 
could be seen under the heavy plate glass, but until 
now they had not been handled since the time of 
Louis Philippe. 

General Pershing had been conducted to the crypt 
by Marshall Joffre, who followed the precedent that 
only a marshal of France could remain covered in 
Napoleon's presence. The great key was inserted 
in the brass door of the crypt, and Marshal Joffre 
drew aside while General Pershing faced the door 
alone. He paused a moment, then stepped suddenly 
forward and turned the key. The party entered. 
The governor of the Invalides, proceeding to a tiny 
alcove at the side, drew out the sword and, after 
kissing the hilt, tendered it to Pershing. The gen- 
eral received it, held it at salute for a moment, and 
then he, too, kissed its hilt. 

As one of the staff officers said later: **It was 
more than a historic moment; it was epic. General 
Pershing at the tomb of Napoleon will live in history 
the same as Washington at Valley Forge." 

To say that Pershing was awed in the presence 



Il6 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

of the mortal remains of the great Napoleon does not 
adequately express his feelings. The very atmos- 
phere of the tomb gave an impression of the gran- 
deur, the vast purpose, and the domination that 
possessed the living man. The stillness of the tomb, 
the impressive ceremony, the reverence of his com- 
panions — even the traditionally military etiquette 
which Marshal Joffre observed — made the American 
general realize that here was a man who lived on 
though long in his grave. The man and the soldier 
he could not help but admire. With his policies, 
General Pershing naturally differed. Napoleon was 
essentially the conqueror, while everything Pershing 
represented was irrevocably determined upon an 
anti-imperialistic policy. But in this tomb the 
American soldier could feel Napoleon's presence 
and the guiding hand of the great man. 

It was not long before Pershing was ready to 
receive the first of that great American army that 
was preparing to pour into France. Arduous work 
for three weeks had been necessary to accomplish 
this, but the work had borne fruit to an almost 
unbelievable degree. He informed the War Depart- 
ment that a great base camp had been made ready 
and that every detail for reception and transporta- 
tion in France had been worked out. 

There was great necessity that this work be 
rushed. A large contingent of American troops 
was already on the ocean and was expected at any 



FIRST UNITED STATES FORCE IN FRANCE II7 

time. With the assistance of Marshal Joffre, 
General Pershing had selected as a base where the 
newly arrived forces could receive their preliminary 
training that section south of vSt. Quentin. This 
sector of the allied line was to be turned over to the 
American troops as soon as they had been sufh- 
ciently trained. 

On June 26, 191 7, the arrival of an unusual num- 
ber of ships was signaled to a port ** somewhere in 
France." At last the American force for whicn 
France had been waiting for several weeks had 
reported. The port commander put out in his 
launch with several American officers, A veritable 
armada presented itself to the awaiting officers. 
Huge transports were crowded with men in the 
familiar khaki of the United States uniform. On 
every side were those greyhounds of the sea, the con- 
voying destroyers, and here and there a big cruiser. 

The transports were taken in charge by tugs, 
which towed them to their appointed berths. By 
this time the townspeople had awakened, and crowds 
began to gather at the dock€. As the transports 
were brought slowly beside the quays the officers 
brought their men to a salute. Then came resound- 
ing cheers from all the transports, to which the 
populace responded. Near the docks were some 
men who did not reply to these cheers. They were 
German prisoners, who gazed in open-mouthed 
astonishment at the spectacle. 



Il8 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Suddenly all the whistles of the craft in the harbor 
began in a wild welcome. The news that the Ameri- 
cans were arriving spread with remarkable rapidity. 
Shouts of "Vive la France!" and ''Vive les Etats 
Unis!'* seemed to come from every throat in the 
crowd, which was thickly dotted with the uniforms 
of French soldiers and sailors. American army 
officers from Paris and American naval officers from 
everywhere began to appear as if by magic, together 
with French general officers. 

The work of debarkation progressed steadily. 
A temporary camp was prepared in town until this 
had been completed. On the morning of June 28th 
General Pershing, accompanied by General Pelletier 
of the French army, arrived to inspect this vanguard 
of the great American army that was to pour into 
France and stem the hordes of the Hun. General 
Pershing expressed himself as highly pleased that 
an operation of such magnitude had been accom- 
plished with so little preparation and without the 
loss of a single man, either by accident or by sickness. 

The officials of the French town turned over their 
authority to the American commander for the pur- 
pose of maintaining discipline among the troops. 
General Pershing, in the interest of good order, 
issued an order that read: 

"For the first time in history an American army 
finds itself in European territory. The good name 
of the United States of America and the maintenance 



FIRST UNITED STATES FORCE IN FRANCE Up 

of cordial relations require the perfect deportment 
of each member of this command." 

To the credit of American troops, who now have 
been in France and in England for more than a year, 
and who have multiplied a thousand times, they 
have held to the very spirit of that order issued by 
General Pershing to the first contingent of the 
American army ''over there." 

From the time of the arrival of the first American 
troops in France General Pershing has encouraged 
any religious activities in the army. The early 
training he received at his mother's knee was his 
inspiration. A profound belief in God's aid to a 
just cause, characteristic of the world's really great 
men, possessed him always. 

Abraham Lincoln was noted for his unwavering 
dependence upon the Almighty. In the most serious 
days of the Civil War he was known to seek guidance 
in prayer, and by prayer he was consoled in the 
midst of his greatest sorrows. General Pershing, too, 
seeks guidance in prayer, and through him the hand 
of the Almighty may be seen directing the armies 
of freedom in the cause of right. 

The attitude of their commander is an inspiration 
to the men in his command. To him directly is due 
the credit for the great work that is being accom- 
plished by the Y. M. C. A., the Knights of Colum- 
bus, the Y. M. H. A., and the Salvation Army. 
No mother of an American in France need fear for 



I20 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the morals of her boy under such a man. General 
Pershing personally inspires his men in a moral 
way. He realizes, too, the mother's anxiety in the 
home back in America, and constantly advises all 
his soldiers to write home regularly. 

On the Fourth of July following the arrival of the 
American army all France celebrated the American 
holiday. A battalion of the expeditionary forces, 
about to leave for its training camp behind the battle 
line, had its first official review in Paris, and was the 
center of the celebration. In the chapel before the 
tomb of Napoleon, General Pershing received from 
the hands of President Poincare American flags and 
banners. Almost the entire history of the struggles 
of the French against the Germans looked down 
upon the scene from paintings portraying heroic 
incidents in battles from the time of Charlemagne 
to Napoleon. 

The enthusiasm of the vast crowd reached its 
highest pitch when General Pershing, escorted by 
President Poincare, Marshal Joffre, and other 
high dignitaries, passed along reviewing the lines of 
Americans drawn up in a hollow square. 

Cheering broke out when the American band 
struck up the *' Marseillaise," and again when the 
French band played *'The Star Spangled Banner." 
The crowds that had waited for over three hours 
to witness a ceremony that lasted fifteen minutes 
cheered frantically after the departing Americans. 



FIRST UNITED STATES FORCE IN FRANCE 121 

The crowd in the Court of Honor was so great that 
it was a half-hour before the people could get out. 

While the American troops were in Paris they 
were quartered by the French government in an 
immense five-story stone barracks and supplied 
with everything necessary to their comfort. Ar- 
rangements had been completed by General Pershing 
for their occupancy of the training camp, and it was 
only necessary for them to wait for transportation. 

The United States, on account of the limited 
number of vessels then at her disposal, was hampered 
in those early days by the lack of shipping space. 
Equipment was being supplied as rapidly as possible, 
but for a while the first expeditionary force felt a 
shortage in many of the supplies. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

Pershing's Men Have Their First 
Contact with the Foe 

BY July 20, 191 7, General Pershing had 
arranged with the government at Washington 
to provide a regular trans-Atlantic transport 
service for provisioning and bringing general war 
supplies to the American Expeditionary Force. 

Thus the United States was to supply all the food 
for the troops. There was a world shortage in food 
in the summer and fall of 191 7. The enormous 
armies maintained by the Allies had made a stu- 
pendous drain upon all kinds of foodstuffs. The use 
of all the available man power by these same nations 
had created a shortage of labor for the fields, and 
the supply of grains and other foods was less 'than 
ever before. 

The United States, before entering the war, had 
been sending England and France all the supplies 
that could be spared. Now that America was 
raising a huge army of her own she had an addi- 
tional call upon her resources, and some way had 
to be devised to provide for the world's food supply. 
Upon the request by General Pershing that the 
food situation be taken in hand, the United States 

122 



FIRST CONTACT WITH THE FOE 1 23 

Government appointed a food administrator, and 
the whole country set out upon a poUcy of food 
conservation. All available food was sent to Persh- 
ing and his army and to our Allies. After America's 
food reserves had been thus applied, the people 
saved enough out of their normal consumption to 
supply the American and allied armies until the 
following harvest. 

Since vast numbers of ships were required to 
transport troops and food, and the number of ships 
was constantly decreasing owing to the submarine 
activities of the Germans, General Pershing put in 
operation a plan by which many of the supplies 
needed by the army could be manufactured in 
France out of raw materials brought from America. 
The raw material would take up only a small per- 
centage of the space that the manufactured goods 
would occupy. 

Artillery and ammunition was needed at once and 
in large quantities. The United States had no 
immediate facilities for turning out guns in the 
quantities needed. The French army had a large 
number of the best guns that could be devised and 
facilities for turning them out in vast numbers. 
Pershing decided it was better that the United States 
purchase these guns from the French government 
than to wait upon the American factories. 

In every detail that related to the efficiency of the 
army General Pershing believed in getting the best 



124 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

that was available — in food, in clothing, and in 
equipment. He knew that nothing so seriously 
impairs the morale of an army as ill-fed and dis- 
satisfied men. He knew that disease often kills 
more men than the bullets of the enemy, and he 
resolved that this should not be the case with his 
army. 

Pershing not only had to see that his men under- 
went a severe training to prepare themselves for 
their entrance into the front-line trenches, but he 
knew that he must undergo a similar training him- 
self in order to be fitted to lead them properly when 
the time came. 

Every moment that could be spared from his 
organization work he spent at the front observing 
the tremendous operations of the opposing armies. 
The first of these visits to the front was on June 20, 
191 7, when he visited Sir Douglas Haig, the British 
commander-in-chief. After this he was frequently 
at the front — especially when the forces of either 
side were engaged in some large offensive movement. 
Thus he had opportunity to observe the particularly 
effective work of the French under General Petain 
at Verdun during the latter part of August, 191 7, 
and again with the British at Cambrai. These 
battles, not only were of interest to the American 
commander, but were a lesson in huge operations, 
involving millions of men, which later was of great 
advantage to him. 



FIRST CONTACT WITH THE FOE 12$ 

On August 31st he had completed his great pre- 
liminary organization work in Paris and, wishing 
to be nearer to his army, moved his headquarters 
to a town near the training camp of the American 
Expeditionary Forces. He wanted to supervise 
personally the training of his men, so that they 
would be able to take their places in the trenches 
at the earliest possible moment. 

The American army was increasing weekly by 
thousands. All stages of training were to be seen 
in the various camps. All of this training work 
was new to both officers and men. The world war 
had brought new weapons, new methods of using 
weapons, and tactics that were unfamiliar. French 
and British officers and men had been detailed to 
teach the Americans the use of these weapons and 
methods. The Americans proved apt students, 
and in a very short time some of them had become 
more expert than their instructors. 

President Wilson had been urged to give General 
Pershing and several other American generals rank 
equal to that of European officers with similar com- 
mands. It was not fitting, he was told, that the 
American commander-in-chief should be outranked 
by a British or French officer, who occupied a subor- 
dinate position. As a result, on October 4, 191 7, 
Congress decided to revive the rank of general and 
to create both Pershing and Tasker H. BHss, the 
chief of staff, full generals. 



126 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

With the elevation of General Pershing, the only 
officers superior to him on the front were Field Mar- 
shal Petain and Sir Douglas Haig. The American 
army never had the grade of field marshal. By the 
promotion of Pershing and Bliss, these two held a 
rank in the military service of the United States 
which heretofore had been held by only four soldiers. 
George Washington was a general in the Revolution- 
ary War. However, when he resumed his military 
position in anticipation of a threatened war in 1779, 
it was only with the rank of lieutenant-general. 
Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman 
were the only other generals. 

Under the provisions of the act that created 
Pershing a general, all commanders of units larger 
than a division in the field will have the rank of 
lieutenant-general, as is customary in the European 
armies. 

In the latter part of October, 191 7, General 
Pershing felt that certain units of his forces had 
received sufficient training to occupy first-line 
trenches. Preparations were made to have them 
replace French troops and hold a sector of the line. 
Under cover of darkness these troops marched from 
the little village where they had been quartered — 
itself nearly under the fire of the enemy — through 
roads nearly impassable with deep, sticky mud. 
Missouri mules strained at the machine guns that led 
the march. After these a long column of infantry, 



FIRST CONTACT WITH THE FOE t2'J 

the men swathed in their ponchos and the rain gUs- 
tening on their steel trench helmets. The Americans 
swung along as proudly as though on dress parade, 
notwithstanding they had marched miles that day 
and still had some miles to. go. There was absolute 
silence in the ranks, for the Germans might at any 
moment discover their approach and shower them 
with shrapnel. 

Nearing the trenches, they passed another silent 
line marching in the opposite direction. It was the 
French battalions whose places they were taking on 
the front line. The fiashHght of a French officer 
revealed that here were the long-expected Americans, 
and soft greetings of ''Vive 1 Amerique" came from 
the poilus, who forgot their weariness at the sight. 

The troops entered the trenches safely unit by 
unit, passing quickly to the positions assigned to 
them by the French liaison officer, who had remained 
to conduct the transfer and report the special 
activities of that particular sector to its new occu- 
pants. 

The trenches were found to be extremely muddy, 
but of excellent construction. The Americans set- 
tled down to their new quarters, and at daylight 
got their first view of the German lines stretching 
away for miles under the dripping clouds. 

General Pershing kept in close touch with the 
front that night. As he sat in his headquarters 
surrounded by his staff, with the clicking of tele- 



128 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

graph instruments, the voices of telephone operators 
monotonously repeating orders, the dull booming of 
big guns, and the occasional flash of a star shell 
brightening the night, he could fully realize the great 
responsibility that had been placed in his hands. 
He was the first officer of the United States Army 
in more than fifty years who had been intrusted 
with the lives of a great army of citizens. He knew 
that these men taking their places on the front line 
of the great battlefield were but a small represen- 
tation of the millions to follow them. It would 
mean much if good fortune should be with these men. 

All night the general listened to the frequent 
despatches that came from the front. 

With the dawn General Pershing's face brightened 
in a smile that would have rivaled a more cheerful 
sunrise. His men were safely in their appointed 
places, a part of the fighting line was guarded by the 
Stars and Stripes ; America at last was firmly on the 
road that led toward Berlin. The armies that were 
to follow these men into the trenches would do so 
with an unshakable confidence. The first stage of 
his mighty task had been accomplished. 

For several weeks that portion of the sector 
remained quiet. The Germans made their cus- 
tomary "strafe" or bombardment each day, but no 
damage had been done. 

On November 5th, however, the Germans ap- 
peared to have learned that Americans were occu- 






FIRST CONTACT WITH THE FOE 1 29 

pying the sector opposite them. They opened with 
a heavy barrage fire that cut off one saHent occupied 
by a company of infantry for special instruction 
purposes, and then raided the trenches with a 
superior force. Three Americans were killed, five 
wounded, and twelve captured in this engagement — 
the first since the United States entered the war. 

General Pershing gave convincing proof to his 
men that his high position did not cut him off from 
close touch with them, for as soon as those soldiers 
who were wounded in the raid had been transferred 
to the base hospital he visited them and gave to 
each a personal message of friendship and sympathy, 
at the same time commending the fine American 
spirit they had displayed in the fight. 

"I want to congratulate you," he said. "We all 
envy you the honor you have won. The whole 
army and the nation are proud of you and your 
comrades for the fine bravery you showed in a most 
trying situation. You are the men who have 
brought home to the people of the United States 
that they are really at war. I hope that you will 
have a very quick recovery." 

The men, deeply touched, murmured a few words 
of thanks, and the cheeks of more than one who had 
been dug from a wrecked trench were wet with tears. 
The time was soon to come when the Huns would 
pay a thousand fold for the deaths of the first patriots 
to fall on European soil in the cause of liberty as 
personified by the Stars and Stripes. 
9 



CHAPTER XIX 

Pershing Places United States Army at 
THE Disposal of General Foch 

THE day was at hand when the soldiers of 
General Pershing were to tackle the greatest 
task at arms the American nation had ever 
known. The little army that had begun to arrive 
in France in July, 191 7, by January, 19 18, had 
become a force of nearly half a million men, and tens 
of thousands were arriving weekly. The half 
million that Pershing had at his command were 
nearly all trained men capable of taking their part 
in the mighty conflict that had been raging for three 
years and a half. He knew that Germany would 
put all her available forces into a huge drive in the 
spring. Her resources were fast ebbing, and this 
would probably be her last chance to force the issue 
before she was placed wholly on the defensive. 
Pershing felt that the American troops should bear 
their share in withstanding this great drive. 

Mountains of supplies had been collected by order 
of the general in preparation for this day. A railroad 
system that would rival many in this country had 
been constructed and equipped by Pershing's engi- 
neers. Supply depots covering acres of ground 
had been located in three base towns back of the 

130 



PLACES ARMY AT DISPOSAL OF FOCH 13I 

American lines. New ports had been opened and 
put in operation to facilitate the handling of millions 
of tons of shipping that were arriving to supply the 
army. In short, Pershing had ** accomplished the 
impossible." In this short time he had taken the 
raw men that were sent to him, and made a trained 
army of them. He had taken the raw supplies 
that were sent to him and manufactured supplies 
for his army. It was a task worthy of a Hercules — 
but it had been done. 

General Pershing felt that Secretary of War 
Baker, in the interest of the nation, should visit 
and inspect this great army. There should be one 
in authority in America who could know, first hand, 
what had been accomplished and what would be the 
future needs of the army. On March lo, 191 8, 
Secretary Baker arrived in France for such an 
inspection, and, after extended visits to the front 
and to the various training camps, could find no 
words to express adequately his amazement at the 
work that Pershing had accomplished in so brief a 
time. 

The immense detail of the War Department 
however, was calling for its head, and Secretary 
Baker could remain only a few weeks, although he 
declared that if the good of the country permitted, 
he would prefer to remain at the front, even as a 
private soldier under Pershing, rather than occupy 
a desk at Washington. 



132 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

With Secretary Baker, General Pershing had 
perfected the details of the first field army of the 
American forces. This was the largest unit used in 
modern warfare and was the first to be put in active 
service by the United States. In conference with 
the French high command, it was arranged that 
this first American field army should take over a 
front of approximately loo miles. At last the world 
was to know that the Stars and Stripes was in the 
battle line to stay. 

On March 21st the Germans began their long- 
expected drive. The greatest artillery attack the 
world has ever known announced the opening of 
the battle. The starthng news that the Germans 
had invented a supergun that could fire a shell 
seventy miles and that one of these giant weapons 
actually was bombarding Paris flashed over the 
world. 

Masses of men the like of which never before 
had been used were thrown upon that point where 
the British and the French troops joined. Unable 
to prepare against such a terrific assault, the British 
were hurled back by sheer weight of numbers. 
Ten — twenty — even thirty miles the Germans 
advanced. Hundreds of thousands of German 
troops were sacrificed by the order of the Kaiser 
to gain these miles. Masses were used in such 
close formation that the British guns were able 
to mow them down by the hundred and thousands. 



PLACES ARMY AT DISPOSAL OF FOCH I33 

The allied commanders foresaw that the German 
drive would wear itself out by its very fierceness 
and wisely adopted a policy that would involve the 
sacrifice of as few lives as possible and at the same 
time do the greatest amount of damage to the 
Germans. 

In the vicinity of Chauny, several companies of 
American engineers were engaged in railroad con- 
struction. They suddenly found that the British 
with whom they were working had been cut off in 
their sector from the remainder of the army so, 
dropping their tools, they seized rifles and fought 
like demons until all the enemy were either killed 
or captured. 

The whole world waited anxiously for the Allies 
to stop this drive. It seemed to those waiting that 
the German hordes were actually about to break 
through and achieve their objective. Every reserve 
in the allied armies was being rushed to the front. 

Day and night tenseness overhung the general 
headquarters of the high command. Disaster 
seemed to have placed her hand on the forces of 
the Allies. General Pershing was one of the little 
group that planned and labored during those 
ominous days and age-long nights. Strategic plans 
to stem the hordes of the Hun were elaborated. 
There was one element in all of these plans that 
the allied commanders could not meet. There 
were no large bodies of reserves to enable the forces 
of freedom to make any effective counter-attack. 



134 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

The continuous rumble of the mighty drumfire 
of the great guns on the front was plainly heard in 
Paris. It seemed as if Satan himself was playing 
a bass obligato to the tramp of millions of Hun 
feet on their march to the city of despair. As 
regularly as the pendulum of fate, a sharp crash 
would shake the city as the devilish gun of the 
Germans hurled death and destruction upon the 
defenseless city. Churches, hospitals, and homes 
were indiscriminately battered and ruined. 

It was enough to shake the hearts of the strongest 
men; but the brave citizens of that great city had 
an unshaken confidence in the commanders of 
their armies — they felt that the time had not yet 
come when they should again see their fair city in 
Teutonic hands. 

General Pershing sat in the councils of the staff. 
He labored on the great strategic plans. He felt 
the tenseness and he saw the confidence of the 
people of Paris. He knew that America alone of 
the Allies had the man power to form the necessary 
reserves to meet the enemy and hurl them back. 
True, his men were lately arrived — they had not 
passed through the necessary training that all the 
commanders deemed necessary before they could 
take their places beside the veterans of many 
battles. But he knew that his men were Ameri- 
cans. He knew that they could be trusted to hold 
their part of the line with the traditionary bravery 




Copyright by Committee on Public Information 

General Foch and General Pershing at the latter' s summer quarters 

in France. General Pershing places the army of the United States 

at the disposal of General Foch to aid in stopping 

the final desperate drive of the enemy 



PLACES ARMY AT DISPOSAL OF FOCH 135 

of their race. He knew that their morale would 
counterbalance their lack of training. All night 
he pondered this question. In the morning he 
went to General Foch, the commander of the 
gallant French army. 

''There is at this time no other question than 
that of fighting," he said. ''Infantry, artillery, 
aviation, all that we have, are yours to dispose of 
as you will. I have come to say to you that the 
American people would be proud to be engaged in 
the greatest battle in history." 

France gladly accepted the offer of the American 
troops, and a place was assigned to them in the 
battle line. There was great rejoicing in the 
American camps that day. Hurried prepara- 
tions were completed, and soon thousands were 
under way. Great army trucks filled every road 
leading from the American encampments. Long 
lines of artillery ploughed through the mud. Men 
in olive drab marched by the thousands. The 
American army was going to the front to help 
stop the Germans. 

It was during this great crisis that the Allies 
completed a plan that was to have the result of 
solidifying their forces against any drive the enemy 
could make. Heretofore the army of each country 
had been under the separate command of its own 
generals. During the great spring drive of 191 8 
the disadvantage of this arrangement made itself 



136 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

heavily felt. There was a lack of co-ordination 
between the British and the French armies of 
which the Germans took advantage, and it was a 
disunited front that met them. It was seen that in 
order to fight the enemy most effectively there 
must be one supreme commander of all the armies 
in the field. 

At the Allied War Conference it was decided that 
General Foch of the French army should be given 
this supreme command and should assume the 
tactical defense and offense of all armies in the 
field. Thus for the first time the allied nations 
were putting a united front against the enemy. 

The March drive was halted. Following in 
swift succession came two other great drives, each 
of which was less effective than the preceding one. 

The presence of Americans in the battle line was 
making itself felt. Raw American regiments had 
been brigaded with British and French divisions 
to be given the training that heretofore had been 
confined to their training camps. Other regiments 
and divisions held a part of the line alone. Under 
such an arrangement Pershing's forces soon became 
as efficient as the regulars with whom they fought. 

On April 4, 1918, King Albert of Belgium con- 
ferred upon General Pershing the Grand Cross of 
the Order of Leopold, the highest mark of distinc- 
tion that Belgium can bestow. This was in appre- 
ciation of the great work he had accomplished 
against the invader of Belgium. 



PLACES ARMY AT DISPOSAL OF FOCH I37 

By May, 191 8, new arrivals of troops had increased 
Pershing's command to more than a milHon men. 
A force of this size was one to be reckoned with, 
and the high command decided that General 
Pershing should be given a command that not only 
would include the American army, but also several 
units of the French and British armies. His forces 
had become so important a factor that General 
Pershing, even at that time, held the same relative 
rank in the AlHed War Council as did Sir Douglas 
Haig, commianding the British army, and General 
Petain of the French army. This did not mean 
that the American forces could properly be com- 
pared numerically with the French or the British; 
but it did mean that the Allies anticipated the 
important r61e that America soon was to play in 
building up those necessary reserves, and in bring- 
ing up the much-needed man power to the battle 
lines at a very critical time. 

There was no tendency to wait until further 
American reinforcements arrived before giving 
General Pershing duties commensurate with the 
importance of the aid America was fast develop- 
ing. 

The United States could well feel proud of her 
achievements. No other nation in history ever 
had dispatched and maintained an army of more 
than a million men to a battlefield more than 3,000 
miles distant. She has given her all with the 



138 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

same cheerfulness as has France, without the same 
pressing motive. Her motive was a beneficent 
one, while that of France was self-preservation. 
America intrusted her sons to the care and the 
leadership of her ablest soldier, and she is depend- 
ing upon that man — General Pershing — to win 
for her and the world. General Pershing has 
shown that he is the man for the work and that the 
world will not be disappointed in him. 



\^ 



HAPTER XX 



Pershing's Surprise Party for the 
Kaiser; He's There to Win 

ABOUT the middle of July the fourth great 
German drive of 191 8 began. It was directed 
against that part of the line held by the 
American forces under General Pershing, between 
the river Aisne and the Marne. The Hun hordes 
seemed to run into a stone wall when they hit the 
American line. They were hurled back after the 
first onslaught with great loss, and numerous guns 
and men were captured. 

It is evident that the German high command 
believed that the Americans were untried and 
weak and that a tremendous offensive would stand 
the greatest chance of breaking through their line. 

At Chateau-Thierry, the apex of the salient held 
by the American Marines, they launched their 
utmost powerful assault. The German crown 
prince,, in command of the Teuton forces, soon 
realized, however, that his great general staff had 
made a most serious blunder. These Americans 
who were expected to retire so readily stood more 
firm than any army the Germans had yet faced. 

139 



I40 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Immediately behind the line was the tall, gaunt 
figure of the American commander. The men in 
the front line could feel his presence inspiring them 
to victory. General Pershing had his hand on the 
very nerves of that great struggle — which resulted 
in the first signal victory for the Stars and Stripes. 

It was a contest not only of men — it was a con- 
test of the brains and stamina of an American 
general against the egotistical operator of a German 
machine. It was a contest of the Almighty God 
of right against the visionary god whom the Kaiser 
boasts is with him. 

Instead of waiting for the enemy to complete 
their drive, a great counter-attack was made at 
once by Pershing, co-operating with the French. 
On the 1 8th of July, without the customary prepara- 
tion by artillery, he launched this counter-attack 
on a front of thirty miles. The lack of a great 
artillery preparation before such an attack made 
the action one of complete surprise to the Germans, 
and their artillery reaction was weak. 

In the short space of six hours as much territory 
was retaken as the Germans had spent six days in 
capturing. Twelve towns were taken by the 
Americans, and 6,000 prisoners. Great quantities 
of military supplies and important plans fell into 
their hands, for their advance had been so rapid 
that the Germans had not time to remove these 
before the Americans were upon them. 



SURPRISE PARTY FOR THE KAISER I4I 

General Pershing had begun to make his presence 
felt upon the Western Front. A signal victory 
had marked the entrance of the Stars and Stripes 
in the first battle of importance in which it had 
appeared. 

Up to this time the German Kaiser and his 
commanders had beHttled the effect the entrance 
of the United States would have on the ultimate 
outcome of the war. Now they had tangible proof 
that America was not only in the war, but in the 
war to win. No longer could the Kaiser keep 
from his subjects the fact that American forces 
were in the battle and that they were there in 
numbers large enough to turn the tide of battle 
against that perfect military machine which the 
German people had been taught to believe could 
not be beaten. The Germans had been told that 
their redoubtable warriors could force the issue and 
a favorable peace before Pershing could put enough 
trained men in the field to turn the tide. Here 
was a time when this confidence would be shattered. 

Germany was on the verge of a collapse. The 
only thing that prevented this was a carefully 
fostered confidence in ultimate victory. With this 
confidence gone, it was believed that shortly the 
great Teutonic empire would crumble internally 
from the pressure applied by America and her allies. 

General John J. Pershing was given the Grand 
Cross of the Order of the Bath by King George of 



142 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

England on July 17, 19 18. This most signal 
distinction was concrete evidence of the recogni- 
tion of his services by the British government. 
It is doubtful, however, if General Pershing appre- 
ciates this distinction as much as he did the winning 
of the book on the life of George Washington at the 
school contest of his boyhood days nearly fifty 
years before. 

• Ever since that time he has been working for 
something definite. He is working for something 
definite now. His task is of broader scope than 
was that of our first president, Washington. Wash- 
ington was the builder, the founder of his country; 
he was working for the freedom of that country. 
Pershing to-day is working for the freedom of the 
world. 

General Pershing had now about 1,250,000 troops 
under his command. The U-boat menace had not 
proved a handicap to the transports, which were 
regularly plying their way three thousand miles 
across the Atlantic, each loaded to capacity with the 
flower of American manhood. 

Pershing's drive against Chateau-Thierry, the 
apex of the great saHent held by the Germans, the 
throat of which lay between Rheims and Soissons, 
heralded a pincer-like movement on the part of the 
French on the east and the English on the west, to 
nip out the Hun forces in the salient. 

A large portion of the American forces were held 



SURPRISE PARTY FOR THE KAISER 143 

as a unit to smash the point of the salient with their 
fresh vigor. Numbers of others were brigaded with 
the French and EngHsh in order to give the actual 
experience of offensive tactics. This was to be the 
final course of the stiff training to which they had 
been subjected from the time that they had landed 
in France. 

Now commenced a series of hammer blows from 
each angle daily. The Germans resisted stubbornly 
— but they gave way. Each day saw the Allies 
three to five miles farther into the salient. 

The morale of the enemy was shattered at last. 
Crown Prince Rupprecht had an immense army of 
reserves to the north in Picardy which he was saving 
for some planned offensive. It had been thought 
that he would immediately throw these reserves 
into the breach and attempt to stop the allied drive. 
For some unknown reason, these reserves were not 
used. 

On July 29th the river Marne was entirely free 
from the Germans, and they were retiring fast. 
The jaws of the pincer were closing in upon them. 

On the 30th, Pershing again threw the American 
forces at the German center at La Fere on the River 
Ourcq. The flower of the Prussian Guard regiments 
— the shock troops of Germany — opposed them in 
vain. 

Across the river came the Americans in the face 
of a hell of shrapnel and machine-gun fire. The 

11 



144 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

Germans had blown up the bridges that spanned 
the river, but Pershing's engineers had hastily con- 
structed two pontoon bridges in the face of this fire, 
and on these the Americans crossed and soon were 
in possession of the town and the river. 

The German retreat became a rout. The Huns 
had no other idea now than to evacuate the salient 
before they were all captured or exterminated. 

Pershing and the American troops had proved 
themselves in their first big assault. 

To General Pershing and to his men was due no 
unimportant credit for the success of the entire 
movement. Thirty thousand Germans were cap- 
tured in the two weeks. The number of guns and 
the quantity of supplies captured were enormous. 
So fast had the enemy retreated that he did not have 
time to set fire to and destroy even the immense 
ammunition dumps. 

The Allies immediately took possession of these 
and turned them to their own use; the amimunition 
they turned against their former owners. 

The Germans continued their flight until they 
had crossed the Vesle River and took up positions 
there which had been . prepared for them in expec- 
tation that here they would make their stand. 

The big salient was then entirely wiped out. The 
allied forces stood in practically the same positions 
they had occupied before the great spring drive of 
the Germans. The immense drives and the enor- 



SURPRISE PARTY FOR THE KAISER 1 45 

mous waste of men had availed the enemy nothing — 
he was in a much worse position than he had been 
. at the beginning of the season. 

The Germans had had high hopes for the year of 
19 1 8. They had beHeved they could press the 
Allies so hard before Pershing could bring enough 
of his fresh American troops into action that they 
would win the decision of the war. 

But — Pershing was ready. The Americans had 
been able to put into the trenches not the small, 
miserable force that the Huns had expected, but an 
army that was big and effective enough to swing 
the tide of force against them. 

Pershing had the men. It is true he was not 
directly responsible for the fact that the men were 
in France ; but to Pershing was due all the credit for 
making these men — raw from the farm and from the 
enervating life of the cities — into first-class fighting 
men, men who could inspire the tired, worn soldiers 
of France and England into fighting demons that 
would carry all before them. 

France recognized the debt she owed America — 
there was only one way in which she could express 
her gratitude. General Pershing was requested to 
come to the great military headquarters. 

President Poincare of France was there. With 
him were all the high commanders of the French 
army and the dignitaries of state. President Poin- 
care advanced to General Pershing and, standing on 



146 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

his tiptoes, pinned the Grand Cross of the Legion 
of Honor upon the American general's breast as he 
said: 

' ' I am delighted to present the Grand Cross to the 
organizer and leader of France's valiant ally and 
brave army under his command for the gallant work 
done in recent weeks upon the battlefields." 

Then, in accordance with the time-honored cus- 
tom, the president of France kissed General Pershing 
on both cheeks, while the great square rang with 
the cheers of the French regiments assembled there. 



CHAPTER XXI 

Americans Wipe Out St. Mihiel Salient; 
Pershing Brings War into Germany 

Foch, now marshal of France and high commander 
of the AlHed Forces, was beginning to make felt the 
results of a strategy of a single purpose and a united 
army. 

Blow after blow was directed against the German 
lines — all with the object of hitting the enemy where 
he was the least prepared, and then following up 
with another assault at a different point to prevent 
him from using his reserves effectively in a counter- 
assault. 

Now, at the outset of the war, the French had 
driven against the Germans in Lorraine, and they 
had held there against all German attacks an area 
of the enemy country. There was, however, a big 
salient still occupied from the beginning by the 
Germans, which had its apex at the town of St. 
Mihiel. 

This salient was ever a menace against Verdun. 
It was also a protection for the important German 
fortress of Metz. So far, it had resisted any attempt 
on the part of the Allies to take it. 

147 



148 GENERAL JOHN J. I'ERSHlNG 

Pershing had selected the Lorraine sector as that 
to be taken over by the American troops as soon as 
they were sufficiently trained. It was here that the 
first of his army had gone into the front-line trenches. 
Back of these lines were the immense training camps 
of the newly arrived contingents. 

Each unit of these, when they were trained, was 
sent into the trenches. Several large units had been 
taken to the Chateau-Thierry sector; others had 
been brigaded with the French and English for post- 
graduate training. 

After the proving of these troops and the stamina 
of American troops had been shown, the first 
American Field Army, under the direct command of 
General Pershing, took over the whole St. Mihiel 
salient, with the exception of the northwest leg of 
the angle, which was occupied by the French. 

Marshal Foch had planned a blow at this salient. 
It was due, and he was so struck by the success of 
American tactics in the Chateau-Thierry assault 
that he left all the details of this most important 
attack in the hands of the American commander. 
General Pershing. 

By a most happy coincidence, it happened that 
the great attack was planned for the day that 
President Wilson had chosen for every man in the 
United States between the ages of eighteen and 
forty-five to register for the selective service that 
would create the mammoth army that would 



n 



BRINGS WAR INTO GERMANY 1 49 

effectively wipe Teutonic oppression forever from 
the face of the globe. 

At 4.30 o'clock on the morning of September 12th, 
General Pershing gave the word, and from the 
thousands of American guns shrieked the hail of 
shot and shell that leveled all German defense. 

Four hours this roaring storm lasted. General 
Pershing had put the whole force of his personality 
behind his sure knowledge of his men. He had 
guaranteed his men to Marshal Foch, and his men 
knew this, so it was with a wild shout of victory and 
song that they went over the top at the appointed 
time. 

The Huns did not know what to make of this wild 
charge. They had never seen anything like the 
fierceness of these soldiers from America, whom 
their officers had taught them to despise. 

Whole companies — battalions — regiments even — 
threw up their hands and yelled ''Kamarad," as 
they saw these demons charging down upon them. 

Secretary of War Baker had for the second time 
arrived to visit the American troops at the front, 
and he was with Pershing at the headquarters when 
the first news of the victory began to come in from 
the front wave. 

Pershing had known his men. He was abso- 
lutely certain of what they could do after the training 
he had given them. This was the first time he had 
had the opportunity of proving his men to the world. 



150 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

He was glad Secretary Baker was there to see first 
hand that American troops were equal if not superior 
to any in the world. Here was the refutation to all 
the assertions of the enemy and his propagandists 
that America could not produce a fighting army for 
years. 

Pershing had done this. 

His men went forward in two waves. They were 
moving according to a schedule that had been 
arranged in advance and they were driving ahead 
faster even than this schedule. 

With the troops went the tanks. There were a 
thousand or more of these, and they devoted them- 
selves to crushing the isolated machine-gun nests 
and the refugees in the woods that the infantry had 
passed in their mad rush. 

Five miles were gained before the Americans 
halted their advance to consolidate their positions. 

General Pershing, Secretary Baker, and the 
General Staff advanced into the captured territory. 
As they passed through the town of St. Mihiel, the 
town that had been wrested from France over four 
years before, the women pressed around the general's 
car and kissed his hand. They were overcome with 
joy because of their deliverance from the long period 
of German oppression and because the flag of their 
beloved France would again fly above them. 

There was desolation everywhere. The American 
shells had made a desert of the positions the Germans 
had held. 



BRINGS WAR INTO GERMANY 151 

The prisoners were beginning to come in. All 
told, 8,000 Germans had cried ''Kamarad" that 
day. Untold quantities of munitions and winter 
supplies were captured. 

The next day was General Pershing's birthday — 
the 13 th of September. This might have seemed an 
unlucky combination. It was — for the Germans. 

The artillery preparation began at 1:30 in the 
morning, and at daybreak Pershing again sent his 
men forward. Before the day was over, 155 square 
miles of German territory had been captured and the 
whole salient of St. Mihiel had been wiped out. This 
was a tremendous birthday celebration for Pershing. 
It was not only the first single-handed victory for 
the American troops, but it was one of the big 
victories of the whole war. 
President Wilson cabled: 

''Please accept my warmest congratulations 
on the brilliant achievements of the army under 
your command. The boys have done what was 
expected of them and have done it in the way we 
most admire. We are deeply proud of them 
and of their chief. Please convey to all my 
grateful and affectionate thanks." 
As soon as the lines were consolidated and strong 
front-line positions were constructed, the long-range 
American guns began a constant bombardment of 
the forts of Metz. Metz is a most important factor 
in the defense of the precious Rhine country of 
Germany. It is to the Germans what Verdun is to 



152 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

the French, and they were prepared to defend this 
fortress city to the utmost. 

It was the first German city to be besieged during 
the great war, and Pershing was the man who was 
to bring the war into Germany. 

The American forces in France are on their way 
to victory. They know that victory must await 
them because it is Pershing who leads them. They 
feel the utmost confidence in their general because 
he has proved to them that he is worthy of their 
confidence. 

No army commander can expect to have the 
confidence of his men without being just. Pershing 
has a reputation of being just to a fault. His men 
know that if they have a grievance Pershing will 
adjust it for them if it has any foundation. He will 
take their part against their officers as readily as he 
will reprimand a private for some infraction of 
regulations. 

A story is told of Pershing based upon a flying trip 
of inspection. He passed a weary column of troops 
on march, with their sixty-pound packs on their 
backs. Their colonel had ordered them to turn out 
for long lines of empty motor trucks which were 
passing, headed in the same direction. Pershing 
saw the envious looks the men gave the passing 
trucks; he stopped his car and sternly reprimanded 
the colonel. 

''An American soldier will fight harder," he told 



BRINGS WAR INTO GERMANY 1 53 

him, ''live on less food, and accept more hardships 
than any other soldier on the face of the globe; but 
he can see no reason why he should have to walk 
when there are empty trucks going in his direction. 
Neither can I." 

The colonel swallowed the reprimand with the 
best grace he could muster, and thereafter permitted 
his men to ride when there was an opportunity. 

American soldiers appreciate a man of this caliber. 
They are willing to fight through the regions of 
warm repute for him. They know he is always 
looking out for their welfare, and if at times they 
suffer from the lack of anything, they know it is 
because it is not possible to obtain that thing, or 
because Pershing is unaware of the situation. 

Ever since that day when, as a boy, he was called 
upon to make a speech in school Pershing has disliked 
to speak in public. As commander of the American 
Expeditionary Force and as member of the Allied 
War Council he has been in positions where he has 
had to speak, not only directly but diplomatically. 
He has represented his government in these confer- 
ences, and he knows that it is essential that anything 
he says be construed only in the way it is meant. 
Hence he speaks very little, but to the point. 

The general works harder than any of his staff. 
He familiarizes himself with detail in a surprising 
degree — so much so that if a subaltern making a 
report stumbles, the general is able to correct him. 



154 GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING 

It is as though he were not after information so 
much as confirmation, when he Hstens to a report. 

The general impression that Pershing gives is that 
matters are safe in his hands. There is no Napo- 
leonic magnetism in this American, but something 
better and more enduring. He earns confidence. 

It is usually the quiet and unostentatious way in 
which he does things that gains for him this confi- 
dence. A trooper, utterly exhausted, rode in with 
an important report and begged the officer for some- 
thing to eat. The officer conducted him personally 
to the mess tent, ordered the cook to give him a good 
meal, and left him there. 

The cook obeyed in open-mouthed amazement 
and turned to the trooper. 

*'Do you know who that was?" he asked. 

''No," answered the man; "who is he?" 

When told that the officer who had ordered his 
dinner was General Pershing himself, the trooper 
would hardly believe it; but such consideration won 
him, as it has won thousands of other soldiers in the 
American Expeditionary Force. 

The general is a firm believer in personal neatness 
and "smart" appearance as a mighty good thing to 
uphold the morale of the army. He himself is neat 
almost to a fault. Witness how, as a young man, he 
always took great pains with his personal appearance 
— how he had a custom of putting his trousers under 
the mattress of his bed to keep them in press. He 



BRJNGS WAR INTO GERMANY 1 55 

has carried this trait all through his life and into 
battle-torn France. 

His officers, and their men as well, must follow 
carefully the regulations he has issued in regard to 
uniforms. They must shave and keep their belong- 
ings clean, and unless a man has recently come from 
the trenches — where it is impossible to follow the 
regulations — or has been doing other similar work, 
woe betide that man if General Pershing happens to 
see him in disordered condition. 

It is of great interest to know the real Pershing. 
It is from his life and his character that America 
knows she is going to win. A knowledge of the real 
man was the principal factor in causing President 
Wilson to choose him to bear the Stars and Stripes 
to victory. It was his fine character that led the 
Chief Executive of the nation to intrust the lives of 
millions of American young men to his hands — not 
only to lead them, but to safeguard them in every 
possible way for the sake of the American mothers 
and wives at home. The President had confidence 
in Pershing, and America has confidence in Pershing; 
and Pershing will win. 






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